Shen You-chung: Taiwan Only Has the Problem of 'Being Unified'

(CNA Reporter Lee Ya-wen, Taipei, 19th) Shen You-chung, Deputy Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), attended a post-'Trump-Xi meeting' seminar at National Taiwan University today. In an interview before the meeting, Shen stated that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, does not have an 'independence' problem, but only a problem of 'being unified,' and that the government's position has been consistent in its commitment to maintaining the status quo. Shen You-chung attended the 'Seminar on the Development of US-China-Taiwan and Cross-Strait Situations after the Trump-Xi Meeting' at National Taiwan University's Center for China Studies this morning. Shen said he noted the remarks made by US President Donald Trump in a television interview, believing that the 'Taiwan independence' Trump mentioned refers to the concept of not wanting to see Taiwan attempt to establish a new state, or change its national name, flag, and anthem. He emphasized that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, has no 'independence' problem, only a problem of 'being unified.' 'We will not accept being unified by an authoritarian China; we are working hard to maintain the status quo.' Shen stated that the US Congress's support for Taiwan has always been clear. If the 'Six Assurances' could be codified into law, it would certainly be a step forward, constituting an institutional guarantee. The government will continue to communicate in all aspects to see how to deepen the development of bilateral relations between Taiwan and the US, not ruling out any possibilities. Shen reiterated, 'Cross-strait relations are cross-strait relations.' He said the government's position on maintaining the status quo has not changed. Cross-strait relations are just that, and there is no need to over-extend 'what the status quo is or is not.' The status quo is that the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and at this stage, there is no direction towards seeking de jure independence. He stated, 'We are unwilling to accept being unified by authoritarianism. We hope to defend our democratic and free way of life. This is the so-called maintenance of the status quo.' Shen said that the 'Resolution on Taiwan's Future' and the DPP's pro-independence platform are matters for the Democratic Progressive Party. From the government's perspective, it must consider the overall national interest and will not link maintaining the status quo with party affairs. The government maintains the status quo based on the Constitution of the Republic of China, its additional articles, and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area to handle cross-strait affairs, defend the survival and development of the Republic of China, and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. (Editor: Lu Chia-jung) 1150519