China pressures DPP to drop Taiwan independence for talks

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a statement released on Wednesday (May 15), a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), Chen Binhua, announced that any Taiwanese political party that recognizes the "One China" principle will face no obstacles in interactions with China.

This announcement comes amid heightened tensions and discussions about Taiwan's political future and its relations with China.

Chen specifically mentioned that if the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) abandons its stance on Taiwan independence, dialogue and interactions between the two sides could proceed.

This statement underscores the mainland's firm stance on the "One China" principle and the "1992 Consensus," while also opposing Taiwan's independence. Chen raised questions about how Lai Ching-te, presumed to not accept the "One China" principle, would handle cross-strait relations, emphasizing the issue's importance for Taiwan's development and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Researcher Wu Se-chih has expressed skepticism about Lai Ching-te's acceptance of the "One China" principle, viewing it as a threshold set by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for managing cross-strait relations.

Wu criticized the CCP's Taiwan policy for leaving no room for the Republic of China's expression, setting a political threshold for cross-strait relations. He also highlighted a double standard in the CCP's demands, questioning why the DPP is asked to abandon its stance on Taiwan independence while the Kuomintang (KMT) is not asked to renounce its view of the Republic of China (Taiwan) as a sovereign independent state.

As Taiwan's pro-unification groups recently launched a peace declaration petition urging Lai to adhere to the One China principle, Wu anticipates Lai's presidential inauguration speech to be grounded in the concept of Taiwan's sovereign independence.

He pointed out that Lai has mentioned cross-strait exchanges should occur on an equal and mutually beneficial basis, rejecting politically preconditioned exchanges.

This development signals a critical juncture in cross-strait relations, with both sides holding firm to their respective principles and stances. The international community watches closely as these dynamics unfold, potentially shaping the future of Taiwan and its relationship with mainland China.