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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

Taiwan says democracy vs. autocracy is core issue, rejects China's 'status quo' claim on Tiananmen anniversary

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council stated that the fundamental issue between Taiwan and China is the irreconcilable difference between democracy and autocracy.
  • The council reiterated that the current status quo is that the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China are separate countries, rejecting Beijing's claims.
  • A recent poll shows over 60% of Taiwanese people favor maintaining the status quo indefinitely, with support for unification at a record low.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council on Thursday emphasized the fundamental divide between democracy and autocracy as the core issue in cross-strait relations. The council stated that the current reality is that the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China are separate countries, dismissing any other assertions.

Speaking on the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square incident, council spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh highlighted Taiwan's democratic progress since the event, which led to a severe restriction of freedoms in mainland China. He urged Beijing to acknowledge the truth of June 4th and grant its people more freedom.

The fundamental issue between the two sides is the irreconcilable difference between democracy and autocracy.

— Liang Wen-chiehTaiwan's Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson explaining the core cross-strait issue.

Liang referenced former President Ma Ying-jeou's statement that "if June 4th is not vindicated, unification cannot be discussed," asserting this sentiment remains valid. He called on Beijing to respect Taiwan's commitment to its democratic and free system, suggesting that choosing between systems and values would be more productive than military threats. Taiwan, he added, stands as a democratic beacon for Chinese-speaking people worldwide.

If June 4th is not vindicated, unification cannot be discussed.

— Ma Ying-jeouQuoted by Liang Wen-chieh to emphasize the ongoing relevance of the Tiananmen Square incident to unification talks.

The council's remarks followed claims by China's Taiwan Affairs Office that "the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China, which is the true status quo." Liang countered that the current status quo is that "two countries, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China, are not subordinate to each other." This, he stated, is the only relevant reality for Taiwan.

Recent polling indicates a significant shift in public opinion, with 63% of Taiwanese now favoring maintaining the status quo indefinitely, a record high. Support for unification has fallen to a historic low of 10%.

The People's Republic of China and the Republic of China are two countries that are not subordinate to each other.

— Liang Wen-chiehTaiwan's Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson defining the current cross-strait status quo.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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