KMT chairwoman's call to recognize '1992 Consensus' draws sharp criticism from officials

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Sylvia Chang called on President Lai Ching-te to recognize the 1992 Consensus as a path to peace and de-escalation across the Taiwan Strait. Speaking at the 823 Artillery Battle Museum in Kinmen on the 68th anniversary of the battle, Chang stated that acknowledging the consensus under the Republic of China Constitution would immediately reduce cross-strait tensions and facilitate dialogue.

“

To create peace is simple. President Lai only needs to be willing to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus on the basis of the Republic of China Constitution. Then cross-strait relations can have contact, dialogue, and exchange, immediately and greatly reducing tensions and easing the situation.

However, officials familiar with cross-strait relations strongly criticized Chang's remarks. They argued that the 1992 Consensus offers no space for the Republic of China's existence and that only those with a "muddled mind" would advocate for it, thereby aiding the Chinese Communist Party's agenda to eliminate Taiwan. Officials questioned the consensus's current definition, stating that "the Republic of China is nowhere to be found" within its framework.

“

This is a huge joke. The 1992 Consensus has no room for the Republic of China to exist. Only those with a muddled mind would help the CCP try to eliminate the Republic of China and annex Taiwan.

Officials emphasized that the government's stance is to uphold national sovereignty and the democratic constitutional system. They challenged Chang to first ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to acknowledge the Republic of China's existence and provide it with space to survive, rather than demanding Taiwan's president recognize a consensus that undermines the nation. The officials questioned the appropriateness of Chang's statements at a memorial for those who defended the Republic of China, suggesting it was a disservice to the soldiers and civilians who fought for the country.

“

The 1992 Consensus is defined by the CCP. It only means unification and leaves no room for the Republic of China to exist. How could President Lai agree to eliminate his own country? The government's stance will always be to protect the Republic of China's national sovereignty and safeguard the free and democratic constitutional system.

The KMT's current position was contrasted with the legacy of former leaders Chiang Kai-shek and Chiang Ching-kuo, with officials questioning how they would view the party's current direction. The remarks highlighted a deep ideological divide on cross-strait policy and the interpretation of historical consensus within Taiwan's political landscape.

“

Why doesn't Sylvia Chang first ask Xi Jinping to acknowledge the Republic of China and give it space to survive? How dare she ask the President to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus? Only those with a muddled mind would help the CCP try to eliminate the Republic of China and annex Taiwan.