TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Hsiao Hsu-tsen, director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, on Wednesday (March 27) criticized former Vice President Chen Chien-jen for advocating Taiwan's independence, a stance Hsiao said violates the Constitution of the Republic of China.
Hsiao insisted Taiwan is not a country but part of China or the Republic of China.
The comments came in response to Chen's call for former President Ma Ying-jeou to assert Taiwan's sovereignty as an independent nation during his upcoming visit to China.
Hsiao said such remarks from Chen are a clear push for Taiwan's independence, which contravenes the constitution.
He noted that Chen made similar appeals last year when Ma visited China but chose to ignore Ma's discussions about the Republic of China.
The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation Director accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of confusing the public with unconstitutional rhetoric, which he said is detrimental to the nation in the long run and misleads the public.
Hsiao also criticized DPP spokesperson Vincent Chao for publicly rejecting "peaceful reunification" and Chen for his pro-independence remarks, saying both actions violate the constitution and tear at Taiwan's national identity.
Hsiao stressed that Ma would never help the DPP and Chen convey their pro-independence stance. He added that the biggest current crisis in Taiwan is the DPP's disregard for the constitution, maintaining the status quo verbally while secretly pursuing a pro-independence agenda without openly amending the constitution.