Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Andrew Hsia held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Zhang Zhijun on Wednesday. The meeting took place in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.
During their discussion, Hsia said the people of Taiwan hope to maintain the current peaceful status quo. Hsia said both sides should continue to work towards progress in cross-strait relations, with routine and official cross-strait interaction.
Hsia also called for both sides to respect the 1992 Consensus , a verbal agreement reached in 1992 by representatives from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Under the 1992 Consensus, both Taiwan and the Mainland agree that both sides of the strait belong to “One China”. However, each side is allowed to maintain its own view of what “One China” means.
Meanwhile, Zhang Zhijun said there is an essential unity between both sides of the Taiwan Strait that must be considered in the conduct of cross-strait relations.
"Now is a key time in cross-strait relations as we face a choice of paths," said Zhang. "The shared destiny of the two sides is inseparable. When we make a choice, we should see from the perspective of reviving the Chinese People, living up to historical trends and public sentiment, sticking to the 1992 consensus, and opposing Taiwan independence. We should put aside disturbances and overcome obstacles to the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and work for the revival and happiness of our people."
Hsia said since 2008, cross-strait relations have improved, reaching their best point in 66 years. Hsia said this is because the two sides have decided to communicate rather than start conflicts.