Regarding the interpellation Premier Mao Chi-kuo received today at the Legislature over protests of mainland China's military threat, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Sun Lih-chyun stated that Premier Mao reiterated that he objected to any threats to Taiwan's security and dignity and hoped mainland China would deal with the issues as soon as possible.
Premier Mao considered this to be a very serious problem in cross-strait relations and a critical issue of common concern to all Taiwanese people, Sun pointed out. Therefore effective communication, rather than just oral protest, is necessary to lower hostility and establish mutual trust. In this way can the fruits of the meeting between President Ma Ying-jeou and mainland Chinese leader Xi Jinping be realized and peace consolidated across the Taiwan Strait.
Premier Mao also cited President Ma's remarks at the Ma-Xi meeting. Ma emphasized that the core concept in developing cross-strait relations is to resolve disputes in a peaceful manner, and the concrete method is institutionalizing negotiations. For example, the two sides of the strait can through hotlines or similar mechanisms avoid any unexpected incident spinning out of control.
The premier reiterated that Taiwan is an open and democratic society tolerating differing views and opinions. Mainland China should especially understand that Taiwanese people are particularly concerned about security and dignity. Any threats to cross-strait peace will not be conducive to cross-strait development, and will also hurt Taiwanese people's dignity and feelings.
Premier Mao believed that in light of mainland military threats, the nation needs to reinforce its autonomous national defense capabilities as a powerful deterrent for maintaining cross-strait peace, Sun stated. The premier also called upon all citizens to unite in solidarity, as internal confrontations will go counter to the nation's common interests. Of course, cross-strait communication and dialogue will need to be conducted to maintain peace. However, it is only through communication that hostility can be dissolved and unfavorable incidents that might be detrimental to national security and people's welfare can be avoided.