After returning from China, KMT Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia (夏立言) reiterated his party’s support for the 1992 Consensus, which recognizes one China, with different interpretations by Taiwan and China. Hsia was speaking at a press conference after leading a KMT delegation to China on a nine day trip.
Hsia said that the KMT has always supported exchanges and communication with China. He said claims that the delegation’s trip was an attempt to discuss reunification were groundless. He insisted that the trip was aimed solely at improving the lives of Taiwanese fishermen and farmers and to reduce cross-strait tensions.
Hsia highlighted the issue of the 1992 Consensus and the “one China, different interpretations” view. He said that according to the KMT's party constitution and program, it has always been firm in adhering to the 1992 Consensus, “one China, different interpretations”, and opposition to Taiwan independence. He said the view that the 1992 Consensus leaves no international space for Taiwan is “ignorant of the facts.”
Hsia added that during the presidency of KMT’s Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), cross-strait tensions were minimal, and there were many exchanges of students and tourists. Hsia contrasted this with the more than 7 years of the DPP’s Tsai Ing-wen administration. During her term, 8 diplomatic allies have been lost and Taiwan remains unable to sign free trade agreements with other countries or join organizations such as the World Health Assembly.
The 1992 consensus was made between the KMT and China before the first democratic elections of legislators and president in Taiwan, when it was still under one-party rule.