BEIJING (TVBS News) — In a weekly briefing that drew an unexpected crowd of foreign journalists, the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of China addressed pressing questions about cross-strait relations and the future of Taiwan following the island's recent general elections.
Unification as Core Interest
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China's TAO, was questioned by reporters about the stance of the Taiwanese people toward unification with China. In response, Chen stated, "I would like our foreign friends to understand that the people on both sides of the Strait are all Chinese."
He added, "The decision for unification has been and will always be at the core of China's core interests." This strong statement underscores the Chinese government's unwavering commitment to its one-China policy and its view of Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory.
Election Impact on Cross-Strait Relations
Over the weekend, Chen also commented on the recent local elections in Taiwan, asserting that the outcome does not change the fundamental dynamics of cross-strait relations. "I want to emphasize that Taiwan's local elections cannot change the basic pattern of cross-strait relations or the direction of their development," Chen remarked.
This comment came after the elections, which were seen by some as a reflection of public sentiment on the island. Despite this, Chen reiterated the TAO's position, indicating that the results "indicated that the DPP does not represent the mainstream public opinion on the island," as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Moreover, Chen maintained that the election results would not disrupt the "fundamental framework and development direction of cross-strait relations," nor would they hinder "the inevitable trend of [Taiwan's] unification with China."
The briefing highlighted the complexities of cross-strait relations and the unwavering stance of China's TAO amidst evolving political landscapes.