Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council has accused former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) of echoing China’s “One China” policy, which denies Taiwan’s sovereignty. In response, Ma’s office fired back on Monday saying that the council should be abolished if Taiwan intends to publicly advocate for the “One Country on Each Side” concept.
The “One China” policy stipulates that Beijing represents the sole legitimate government of China, which Taiwan is part of. In contrast, the “One Country on Each Side” concept originated from the DPP in 2002 and states that China and Taiwan are separate countries, more than just different political entities.
On Sunday, Ma told attendees at a Hunan University student forum that both China and Taiwan are part of the Republic of China. Ma is currently visiting China to pay respects to his ancestors in Hunan province and is scheduled to return on Friday.
Ma’s office says the council’s statement is a violation of the Republic of China’s Constitution. It adds that President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) is breaking her campaign promises to abide by the Constitution and laws governing cross-strait relations.