6/24/2014
Department of International Affairs - Democratic Progressive Party
Regarding the anticipated visit to Taiwan by Minister
Zhang Zhijun of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council (TAO), who is
scheduled to meet for discussions with Mainland Affairs Council Minister Wang
Yu-chi, DPP's Director of China Affairs Chao Tien-lin asserts the DPP's
position, issued on June 24, as follows:
1. We take a positive
view of normalized exchanges between the two sides of the Strait, but these
interactions must follow the principles of sovereignty, equality, and
democracy, and cannot bring harm to Taiwan's interests, nor circumvent the
mechanisms of democratic oversight to undertake political negotiations of any
kind. The itinerary and related arrangements for these talks must be
public and transparent.
2. The future of Taiwan
will be determined by its 23 million people. This is our longstanding
position, as well as the consensus and insistence of the people of Taiwan that
the Ma administration cannot evade. Minister Wang must clearly and
accurately reflect the voice of Taiwan's people.
3. As Director Zhang has
also expressed the wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation
in Taiwan, particularly the sentiments at the grassroots level, and to interact
with Taiwanese from all walks of life, we hope that on this trip he will make
an earnest and sincere effort to listen and to comprehend the true feelings and
opinions of the people of Taiwan.
On the subject of protests mounted by other parties and
civil society groups, Mr. Chao pointed out that all of Taiwan is watching
Minister Zhang's visit closely, and many people have strong opinions that they
wish to express. Taiwan is a democratic society with diverse voices and freedom
of expression, and this is in fact a very normal phenomenon, Mr. Chao
said. He emphasized that the Taiwanese people take these developments in
stride, and call on the government and the rest of the country to do the
same. As for whether there are plans for DPP personnel to participate in
the protest, Mr. Chao stated that he is not aware of any such plans.
"We will closely observe the diverse voices of Taiwan's society, which are
to be expected in an open and democratic society."
