TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF, 海峽交流基金會), Taiwan's semi-official organization handling negotiations with China in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, held a routine press conference on Friday (July 18) where Secretary-General Lo Wen-jia (羅文嘉) underscored the critical importance of maintaining cross-strait negotiations despite ongoing tensions. Lo firmly stated that Taiwan's approach to all talks, dialogues, and exchanges with mainland China remains focused on securing tangible benefits and protecting the interests of Taiwan's 23 million citizens.
Lo expressed frustration with what he described as a troubling pattern in the official communications from the Taiwan Affairs Office (國台辦), China's government agency responsible for implementing policies related to Taiwan. During the briefing, he pointed out that responses from Chinese officials at their regular press conferences follow a predictable formula of placing blame on Taiwan's democratically elected government and ruling party for all cross-strait tensions, leaving little room for constructive dialogue or meaningful engagement on substantive issues.
The SEF official conveyed profound disappointment regarding the deteriorating quality of cross-strait exchanges, lamenting the absence of sincere dialogue and pragmatic approaches to resolving practical issues affecting people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Lo emphasized Taiwan's continued commitment to fostering healthy, orderly exchanges that could build mutual understanding despite political differences. He concluded the press conference by reaffirming that Taiwan's fundamental position in all negotiations remains steadfastly focused on protecting and advancing the island's sovereignty and broader interests in the international community. ◼