ELECTION 2024/Taipei rejects 'one China' framework advocated by Terry Gou

Taipei, July 18 (CNA) Taiwan's government on Tuesday dismissed a proposal by Terry Gou (郭台銘), a potential presidential contender, that Taiwan and China should agree on a "one China framework" to ensure peace and stability.

In an op-ed published in the Washington Post on Monday, Gou said the rejection of the "one China framework" by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government has led to cross-strait stalemate and increased tensions.

Gou said the "one China framework" is based on the so-called "1992 consensus," which, according to the Kuomintang's (KMT) definition, means that both sides of the Taiwan Strait acknowledge there is "one China," with each having its own interpretation of what constitutes China.

There has been some speculation that Gou, founder of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., could seek to run as an independent in the Jan. 13, 2024 election, having failed to secure the KMT nomination in May.

Gou said he has long advocated the immediate resumption of direct cross-strait negotiations between Taiwan and China as the only way to truly ease tensions and preserve Taiwan's democracy, freedom and rule of law.

Working with China directly on the basis of the "one China framework" is the only way Taiwan can benefit itself, the region, and the globe, he argued.

Approached by reporters for a comment Tuesday, Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) said that the people of Taiwan find it difficult to accept China's so-called "1992 consensus" and the "one China policy."

Taiwan hopes that China and all sectors of its society will respect the opinion of the Taiwanese people, Chen told reporters at the Legislative Yuan.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued Tuesday, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said that the so-called "one China, respective interpretations framework" has never existed on either side of the Taiwan Strait.

The only framework in existence is the "one China principle" unilaterally established by the Chinese Communist Party with the intention of eliminating the Republic of China (ROC) and annexing Taiwan, the MAC said.

Gou's proposal shows that he either lacks a comprehensive understanding of the political ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party toward Taiwan or deliberately portrays them in a favorable light, the MAC said.

Given China's positions that the "1992 consensus" embodies the "one China principle" and that the ROC government is a local government, acceptance of the so-called "1992 consensus" as a prerequisite for cross-strait dialogue is to position Taiwan as a Chinese "local government," it added.

Separately, DPP Legislator Wang Ting-yu (王定宇) said that an assertion of "one China" would lock Taiwan into the People's Republic of China and make it part of China's internal affairs, which he characterized as "extremely dangerous" for the people of Taiwan and future generations.

In contrast, KMT Legislator Chen Yu-jen (陳玉珍) said Gou's proposal represents a feasible formula for the resumption of cross-strait dialogue.

Any candidate who is not from the DPP camp and shows a willingness to seek peaceful interaction with China faces "irrational criticism," Chen said.

The people of Taiwan are deeply concerned about ensuring the next generation is able to grow up with peaceful cross-strait relations and without the threat of war, that is the wish of the majority, she said.