Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) says the so-called “92 consensus” is not the basis of Taiwan-China ties. The Mainland Affairs Council is Taiwan’s top government body in charge of cross-Taiwan Strait affairs.
The 92 consensus refers to a tacit agreement made between officials in Taiwan and China. The agreement says that there is only one China, but that both sides have different interpretations of what “one China” is. It has been criticized for no longer reflecting Taiwanese popular opinion.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out taking the island by force.
On Tuesday, China held a celebration for the 30th anniversary of the 92 consensus. During the ceremony, Chinese officials said the consensus is the basis of cross-Strait ties.
On Wednesday, the Mainland Affairs Council said the 92 consensus undermines Taiwan’s sovereignty. It adds that Taiwan never accepted the 92 consensus, therefore it could never have been the basis for ties with China. The council adds that China continues to threaten Taiwan’s democracy and way of life.
The body says the government will always put the country’s dignity first. It says China’s priority should be peace, and that it should cease its military threats against Taiwan.