At the Feb. 11 Taiwan Affairs Office press briefing, a reporter asked: Regarding the 15 points of common understanding reached at the KMT–CCP think tank forum, Lai Ching-te said, “Whether Taiwan will continue to join hands with allied countries and move toward the world, or once again push a westward turn—our people can make a clear choice.” MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng said the common understanding is full of accusations that the Taiwan authorities are obstructing cross-strait exchanges and blocking mainland tourists, calling it “completely putting the cart before the horse,” and said it “will not be accepted.” What is your comment?
TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian replied: The KMT–CCP think tank forum reached 15 points of common understanding across five areas, focusing on industrial development and people’s livelihoods. It reflects the KMT and the CCP’s sense of responsibility in seeking peace in the Taiwan Strait, pursuing well-being for compatriots, and striving for national rejuvenation, and it accords with the fundamental interests of compatriots on both sides of the Strait. The Lai Ching-te authorities stubbornly adhere to a separatist “Taiwan independence” stance and, for the selfish interests of one party and one person, stop at nothing to ban, restrict, and obstruct cross-strait exchanges and cooperation. They are the biggest obstacle to cross-strait exchanges and interactions and the greatest source of turmoil undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and they have already drawn strong criticism and dissatisfaction from all sectors in Taiwan. We hope the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots will work together with us to firmly oppose the Lai Ching-te authorities’ retrograde actions, overcome interference and remove obstacles, promote exchanges and cooperation between the two sides across all fields, advance cross-strait relations, and enhance the interests and well-being of compatriots on both sides.