DPP's China policy very clear, thanks

Drying squid in Kaohsiung.

The DPP mission in the US sent this around. The DPP's position on cross-strait affairs is quite clear; those who claim that it isn't are doing the work of Beijing and the KMT. It looks like the "DPP's lack of clarity" on cross-strait affairs is going to be a KMT talking point this election, as I noted a couple of weeks ago in The Coming Pressure on the DPP, and as this Taipei Times piece again clarifies:

The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) legislative caucus yesterday urged Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) to clarify her stance on cross-strait relations.

The call came after former DPP chairman Hsu Hsin-liang (許信良) said the DPP should not exclude the unification option and that the idea of independence was outside the party’s mainstream opinion — comments that were criticized by several prominent DPP members, who affirmed the party’s platform upholding independence.

The Taipei Times should have noted that after being DPP Chair, Hsu and other DPP turncoats formed the Mountain Alliance which was allied to the KMT -- Hsu switched sides. Hsu's complicated and shifting allegiances are rarely made clear in media presentations on Hsu, even local media presentations. The DPP keeps taking him back, because of his old connections to the tangwai era. He looks to me like a pathetic has-been attempting to remain relevant.

So if anyone claims to you that the DPP has no clear China policy, just refer them here.

+++++++++++++++++

DPP China Affairs Committee: 

Maintain Cross-Strait Status Quo

April 9, 2015 - The Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) China Affairs Committee (CAC) today convened its second meeting to analyze and discuss the current major trends in cross-strait and international dynamics. Taoyuan City Mayor Cheng Wen-tsang and Deputy Mayor Chiu Tai-san provided a briefing on the status of Taoyuan City’s Cross-Strait Committee and its experiences with city-to-city cross-strait exchanges, and Secretary General Joseph Wu reported on recent interactions between the DPP and the United States (con't below).


I. Chair Tsai’s opening remarks at the committee meeting were as follows:
In recent days there has been intense interest both at home and abroad in the development of the DPP’s cross-strait policy. We fully understand and appreciate that if the DPP is to return to government, the responsibility of managing the relationship across the strait will be a challenging task. But we have confidence that we can manage cross-strait relations in a way that avoids surprises, and we certainly would not provoke contradictions, conflict, or confrontation.

As a political party actively preparing to return to government, we willingly assume the responsibility of clearly explaining our basic approach and position:

First of all, the basis for our handling of cross-strait relations is “maintaining the status quo,” preserving cross-strait peace, and continuing the current stable development of the cross-Strait relations. This is the core of the cross-strait relationship, as well as the goal for the DPP upon returning to power.

Cross-strait relations should not be limited to KMT-CCP relations. If Beijing could break out of the KMT-CCP framework, and treat whichever party comes to power in the future in Taiwan on an equal basis in a friendly manner for the sake of maintaining the status quo of peaceful development in cross-Strait ties and the status quo of cross-Strait consultations and exchanges, then we can return to a steady path amidst an atmosphere of calm.

We are well aware that in the current phase, there are still differences in the development across the strait. Taiwan is a democratic society encompassing diverse voices, and any leader regardless of party must include those different voices and opinions to seek the greatest internal consensus. If the two sides can reach this kind of mutual understanding to find the greatest common denominator, it would surely open up new possibilities for cross-strait relations.

Moreover, the DPP understands very clearly that a return to government means shouldering the responsibility to the international community of maintaining cross-strait peace. We fully understand and take very seriously the U.S. administration's interest in the situation in the Taiwan Strait, and are happy to exchange views with the U.S. side about how best to handle the cross-strait issue should we return to government. Our substantive interactions with the U.S. will also continue to proceed, both before the 2016 election and after.

We hope that all different sectors can continue to take a holistic view of what the DPP does in regard to cross-strait policy, and in building long-term interactions and trust with the U.S. The DPP will strengthen mutual trust with the U.S. and let this trust become a positive force in the maintenance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We fully recognize that Taiwan's democracy is precious because it embodies the essence of popular sovereignty. The collective will of the people with regard to cross-strait development is the criteria that any government must follow.

What is at stake in cross-strait relations are the interests and long-term prosperity of 23 million people. The predominant desire among Taiwan's people is to see the maintenance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, while also safeguarding Taiwan's democratic values and future autonomy. To the people of Taiwan the DPP makes this firm pledge: we will maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and we will safeguard Taiwan's democratic values and future autonomy. We are confident in our ability to secure cross-strait peace and stability amidst the current complex international dynamics, and to preserve the greatest possible space and choice for the next generation.

The DPP will address the core issues in cross-strait relations accordingly. As long as we are fully cognizant of the responsibility, secure in our basic position, respectful of the public's will, and sincerely resolved to develop communications and solve problems, we will be able to move past the obstacles step by step to chart out a path for cross-strait relations that accords with Taiwan's interest while being acceptable to all sides.

II. With regard to ongoing city-level exchanges and the work of the local Cross-Strait Committees, Chair Tsai commented:

Over this recent period, the cities and counties under DPP administration have taken proactive measures with regard to cross-strait relations, all of which we heartily endorse. Although there remain differences of opinion about the cross-strait issue in Taiwan, the majority of people nevertheless recognize the value and importance of cross-strait exchanges. Only through interactions can we bridge differing perspectives, enhance mutual understanding, and build mutual trust. Mutual trust is the most important foundation of cross-strait relations.

On the recommendation of the China Affairs Committee, each city and county has already established their respective Cross-Strait Committees to directly handle cross-strait issues, including those relating to city-to-city exchanges, while also facilitating the sharing of information, pooling of experience, and discussion of common issues that must be addressed. At the same time, the DPP will take a proactive and pragmatic approach to dialogue with the other side of the Strait to seek a solution that is acceptable to both sides and permit the continuation of peaceful and stable cross-strait relations.

III. With regard to the report on DPP's recent communications with the U.S., Chair Tsai commented:

Tomorrow is the 36th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. The TRA is an essential force that helps to maintain peace, stability, and security in the Taiwan Strait while facilitating the deepening of Taiwan's democracy. Upon this foundation, U.S.-Taiwan economic, trade, security, defense, and cultural relations have seen remarkable growth over the past 36 years.

The relationship with the United States is a critical component of Taiwan's foreign relations. The DPP recognizes the importance of the conduct of U.S.-Taiwan bilateral relations, and we have established a strong network of communications with the U.S. administration, Congress, think tanks, and civic organizations, to frequently exchange views to build mutual trust and minimize unforeseen gaps in understanding. Additionally, we have close channels with Taiwanese American and other friends across the U.S. with whom with share information, so that they can also speak out on Taiwan's behalf. Secretary General Wu has brought back many valuable suggestions from his recent trip to the States, during which he was also able to transmit the information from the latest and most accurate information from the Taiwan side. We appreciate the Secretary General's hard work and affirm the effectiveness of his leadership in the conduct of our relationship with the U.S.

In the period leading up to the general election, there may well be many misleading stories that attempt to influence the public as well as the U.S.' opinion about the DPP. But as we maintain close and intensive channels of communication with the U.S., the DPP will manage well the bilateral relationship with the U.S. to prevent surprises and misunderstanding. This will have a significant reassuring effect on Taiwan's public.

_______________________
[Taiwan] Don't miss the comments below! And check out my blog and its sidebars for events, links to previous posts and picture posts, and scores of links to other Taiwan blogs and forums!