’92 Consensus called only way forward on Taiwan

China’s top political adviser, Wang Yang, called on Chinese at home and abroad on Tuesday to adhere to the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, and to jointly push forward the cause of national reunification and share in the glory of national rejuvenation.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, made the remark at a symposium in Beijing to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1992 Consensus.

Wang said that promoting the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and peaceful reunification of Taiwan with the motherland is the common aspiration of all Chinese people and is the Party’s basic stance for resolving the Taiwan question.

He said that 30 years ago, Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits chose dialogue instead of confrontation, managed differences through communication, and promoted cooperation through consultation.

In 1992, the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation and the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits reached a common understanding that they should express verbally that both sides of the Taiwan Straits adhere to the one-China principle.

The process and content to reach the consensus were recorded clearly in documents which cannot be denied or distorted, Wang said, adding that “the consensus defines the fundamental nature of crossStraits relations and lays the political foundation for the development of the relations.”

He said by adhering to the consensus and the principle, cross-Straits relations will improve and develop. Otherwise, they will deteriorate.

Stressing that the mainland is willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification, Wang said dialogue and consultation with all parties, organizations and people in Taiwan on cross-Straits political issues and matters related to advancing peaceful reunification is welcomed on the basis of the one-China principle.

“Taiwan independence” is the biggest obstacle to reunification and a major threat to national rejuvenation, he said.

The island’s authorities refuse to recognize the 1992 Consensus, and some countries condone and support “Taiwan independence” separatist forces making provocations against the mainland, which will only push the island into disaster, he said.

No one and no force should underestimate the strong resolve, determination and capability of the Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, he added.

Zhang Zhijun, president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, said the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan have refused since 2016 to recognize the consensus and increased separatist activities for “independence”, seriously undermining the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

Zhang said the mainland unswervingly adheres to the consensus and resolutely opposes separatist activities for “Taiwan independence” and interference by foreign forces.

No matter how the situation across the Straits changes, the consensus will always be the anchor for the improvement and development of cross-Straits relations, he said, calling on Taiwan compatriots to uphold and work with compatriots on the mainland to create a better future for national rejuvenation.

This year is the 30th anniversary of the 1992 Consensus in which both sides of the Taiwan Straits agreed that there is only one China. A gathering in Beijing on Tuesday to mark the occasion conveyed an unequivocal message that if US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi goes ahead with her proposed visit to Taiwan next month, it will have far-reaching consequences for Sino-US relations and the cross-Straits situation. Speculation is running high that Pelosi does intend to do so, despite US President Joe Biden’s expressed opposition, the Pentagon’s caution that it would not be a good idea, and Beijing’s stern warnings.

Beijing’s warnings have reportedly been significantly stronger than those it has made in the past when it has objected to US actions or policy relating to Taiwan. That is because if she proceeds with her proposed trip, it would constitute not only a grave provocation but also a de facto rejection by the US top legislature of the principle of one China that the US is committed to upholding.

Although she has not confirmed her visit, Pelosi told reporters last week that it was important to show support for Taiwan. And even though she denied that Congress was pushing for the island’s independence, what makes the situation truly dangerous is that Pelosi, who is not well-disposed toward China herself, is being goaded into making the trip by the China hawks in both parties.

“Nancy, I’ll go with you,” former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo, who is reportedly considering a run at the White House in the next election, tweeted on Sunday: “See you there!”

A spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry said there would be a “resolute response” if Pelosi does visit the island, with speculation also rife about what this might entail. Some of the more hawkish US politicians have been unable to hide their glee that it might lead to a military clash.

Even if the wishful scenario of these armchair warriors does not materialize this time, a visit by Pelosi would be a signal that US politicians hostile to China are trying to seize the initiative to change the status quo across the Straits, and use the island as a launch pad for confrontation with China.

The deep concerns Pelosi’s proposed visit has aroused within Taiwan reflect the helplessness of those on the island who recognize that the secessionists who have bet on the US’ protection of the island have made it an expendable piece in Washington’s game plan to contain China.

The 1992 Consensus laid the foundation for close economic and cultural exchanges across the Straits that brought tangible benefits to both sides and beyond. It was the refusal of the island’s current authorities to uphold it that has triggered the cross-Straits tensions which they continue to foment with the help of their supporters in Washington.

The 30th anniversary of the consensus therefore has highlighted how the secessionists on the island are betraying the motherland by discarding the consensus and are trying to surrender the fate of the island to the US.