MAC: Hope Cheng Li-wen Directly Presents Taiwanese People's Demands at 'Cheng-Xi Meeting'

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) held its regular press conference this afternoon, hosted by Deputy Minister and Spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh.

Liang Wen-chieh stated that the MAC had previously called on Cheng Li-wen to use the opportunity of her meeting with Xi Jinping in mainland China to clearly articulate the mainstream public opinion and demands of the Taiwanese people. He hoped she would explicitly state at least three points: first, that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) must face the reality of the existence of the Republic of China; second, that Taiwan's future must respect the will of the Taiwanese people; and third, to immediately cease military aircraft and vessel harassment of Taiwan.

Liang Wen-chieh said that so far, he has not seen Cheng Li-wen express these three demands. "I hope she will say them at the Cheng-Xi meeting," he added, noting that the exact wording does not need to be precise, but the demands of the Taiwanese people must at least be conveyed.

When asked by the media whether Cheng Li-wen's statement during her visit to Yangshan Port today, "What should be flying in the sky are birds, not missiles; what should be swimming in the water are fish, not warships," could be considered an implicit mention of Taiwanese people's demands.

Liang Wen-chieh responded that he believes Cheng Li-wen intended to use a roundabout way to express the demands, but Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an also made similar remarks when he visited Shanghai for the Twin City Forum, and the CCP announced military exercises the very next day. This morning, the CCP also announced live-fire drills in the Yellow Sea. "Therefore, using such poetic expressions, or expressing demands in a veiled manner, I think is meaningless."

Liang Wen-chieh emphasized that as a political party leader, one should be open and confrontational, "I hope Chairman Cheng can directly and frankly present the demands of the Taiwanese people when she meets Xi Jinping tomorrow." (Edited by Yang Sheng-ru) 1150409