KMT-CCP think tank exchange to promote cross-strait engagement: KMT

Taipei, Jan. 28 (CNA) The Kuomintang (KMT) confirmed Wednesday it will send a delegation to Beijing from Feb. 2‑4 for the first official think tank exchange with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), aiming to foster constructive cross-strait interaction.

KMT Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑) said at a press conference he will head the delegation, joined by National Policy Foundation Deputy Chairman Lee Hong-yuan (李鴻源) and around 40 experts and scholars.

Hsiao said the forum will focus on topics including tourism, industrial development and environmental protection, aiming to revive the kind of cross-strait exchanges previously carried out based on a shared acceptance of the "1992 Consensus."

The "1992 consensus" refers to a tacit understanding reached in 1992 between the then KMT government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Chinese government. It has been consistently interpreted by the KMT as an acknowledgment by both sides that there is only "one China," with each side free to interpret what "China" means.

The independence-leaning ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has never acknowledged the "1992 Consensus," arguing that Beijing allows no room for the interpretation of "China" as the Republic of China, and that acceptance of the consensus therefore implies agreement with China's claim over Taiwan.

No information has been released on whether discussions will touch on a possible meeting between KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) and CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping (習近平).

China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) confirmed the forum will take place on Feb. 3 in Beijing, co-hosted by the KMT's National Policy Foundation and the Straits Research Center of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee.

TAO spokeswoman Zhang Han (張晗) said the forum will cover cross-strait tourism, industry and environmental cooperation, emphasizing that Beijing seeks peaceful engagement based on the 1992 Consensus while opposing Taiwan independence.

The DPP criticized the exchange, with spokesperson Han Ying (韓瑩) warning that the KMT's highly synchronized schedule with Beijing shows a loss of political autonomy and risks making the party an instrument of Chinese influence, undermining Taiwan's national dignity and security.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) reminded the KMT no organization is permitted to engage in political agreements with the Chinese side or discuss matters related to government authority, without the authorization of Taiwan's government.