Executive Yuan Minister without Portfolio and Spokesperson Hsu Kuo-yung on Sunday said that maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait has been the consistent policy of the government.
The pragmatic approach mentioned by Premier Lai Ching-te at a media roundtable earlier in the day consists of three components, Minister Hsu elaborated. First, Taiwan is already a sovereign and independent country and therefore does not need to declare independence. Second, the future of Taiwan is to be decided by its 23 million citizens and no one else. Third, Premier Lai and his Cabinet since taking office have been building the nation, growing the economy and strengthening Taiwan to make it more attractive so that people will choose and support Taiwan.
The premier also outlined six specific efforts involved in this approach, Minister Hsu said. The first is to consolidate and defend the nation's sovereignty. The second is to protect Taiwan's free and democratic way of life as well as human rights. Third, defend the people's rights to decide their own future and choose for themselves. Fourth, develop the economy, make Taiwan stronger, and create a happy and secure environment in which people can live and work. Fifth, maintain peaceful development of cross-strait relations by confidently advancing cross-strait exchanges, seeking common ground while accommodating differences, and using the exchanges to enhance mutual understanding, appreciation, tolerance and reconciliation. Sixth, Taiwan as a member of the international community should work alongside Japan, South Korea, the U.S. and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region to maintain peace and security in the region.
Premier Lai on Sunday afternoon reiterated his beliefs and approach, including on cross-strait relations, in order to set the record straight on distorted reports.