Chinese Authorities Say "One China" Must Be Recognized to Resume Cross-Strait Dialogue

Controversy Over President Lai Ching-te's "Mainland" Remark

Lai Ching-te, President of Taiwan. Reuters Yonhap News

Chinese authorities have urged Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to acknowledge the "1992 Consensus" as a precondition for resuming dialogue between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait (China and Taiwan). This call comes just a few days after Lai Ching-te, the President of Taiwan known for his pro-U.S. and anti-China stance, drew attention for referring to "mainland China" in a public speech.

On March 4, during a regular briefing, Zhang An, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council, stated, "The root cause of the current tensions in the Taiwan Strait is the DPP's persistence in its 'Taiwan independence' separatist position and its continued provocations for independence."

The 1992 Consensus refers to the concept that China and Taiwan agreed in 1992 to recognize "one China" but allowed for different interpretations, and it has been regarded as the political foundation of cross-strait relations. China emphasizes it as the basis for the "one China" principle, while the independence-leaning DPP views it as a denial of Taiwan's sovereignty.

Spokesperson Zhang said, "Both sides of the strait are Chinese and one family," and argued, "If the DPP authorities recognize the 1992 Consensus and cease separatist activities for 'Taiwan independence,' then cross-strait dialogue and negotiations can resume, and cross-strait relations can develop peacefully."

He further emphasized, "The peaceful development of cross-strait relations serves to promote the interests and well-being of people on both sides, fosters stability and harmony in Taiwanese society, and guarantees a stable life for Taiwan residents. This is the will of the people and the trend of the times."

These remarks were made in response to questions regarding President Lai's recent use of the term "mainland China" when referring to cross-strait relations at a public event. According to Taiwanese media, President Lai stated at a Lunar New Year event hosted by the Straits Exchange Foundation on February 24 that "Taiwan and mainland China should replace confrontation with exchanges and dialogue instead of conflict, and we hope for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations." At this event, he reportedly used the term "mainland China" several times, and his speech emphasized "peace" and "dialogue" between the two sides.

Independence-leaning politicians in Taiwan rarely use the term "mainland China," as they seek to underscore that Taiwan is a separate sovereign entity, not part of China. Instead, they typically refer to China simply as "China." Since taking office in May 2024, President Lai has also mostly used the term "China" in his major speeches. In contrast, the Chinese government usually employs terms such as "mainland China," "Taiwan," or "Taiwan region" under the one China principle.

There has been suspicion that President Lai's remarks at the time could have been a conciliatory gesture with an eye on U.S. President Donald Trump's planned visit to Beijing, China, scheduled between late March and early April. Since his election in May 2024, President Lai has pursued a strong cross-strait policy characterized by a pro-U.S. and anti-China stance.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.