On July 26, 2022, China's top political advisor Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, addressed a meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the 1992 Consensus. In 1992, mainland China and Taiwan reached a consensus that "both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China and will work together toward national reunification."
However, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council stressed in its website: "In 1992, Beijing used the pretext of negotiations on cross-Strait document notarization to demand Taiwan to accept the position that 'the two sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China,' meaning the 'one China principle.' However, the People's Republic of China (PRC) has become the sole legitimate government representing 'China' in the United Nations (UN) after the Republic of China (ROC) was forced to withdraw from the UN in 1971. Therefore, accepting this 'China' means accepting the PRC's elimination of the ROC under international law and recognizing the PRC as the central government representing Taiwan externally."
It then further explained: "The initially proposed plan was to accept the 'one China principle,' but... each side held a different understanding of the meaning of 'China.' Hence when signing the agreement for this plan, the Taiwan side recorded the date as 'October 30th, 81st year of the ROC Minguo Calendar year,' highlighting that the 'China' recognized by Taiwan is the ROC. If Beijing accepted this, it would mean accepting that the 'China' stated by the Taiwan side meant the 'Republic of China,' thus accomplishing the negotiation goal of 'one China with respective interpretations. Beijing could not accept this, thus refused to sign the agreement, and immediately left the negotiation site in Hong Kong. The talks therefore collapsed... Based on the historical process and facts mentioned above, we believe that the negotiations between the SEF and the ARATS in 1992 did not reach a consensus and thus there is no such thing as '1992 Consensus.'"[1]
(Source: Istockphoto.com/)
Below is Wang Yang's speech:[2]
"The Core Implication Of The 1992 Consensus Is That 'Both Sides Of The Taiwan Straits Belong To One China"
"Comrades and friends,
"To promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the peaceful reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese people. It is the CPC's basic proposition for resolving the Taiwan question. Thirty years ago, after a long period of isolation and confrontation, the Chinese people on both sides of the Strait resolutely chose to replace confrontation with dialogue, resolve differences through communication and promote cooperation through consultation. They reached the 1992 Consensus, marking a historic step in the process of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. Today, we convene the meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the 1992 Consensus to review and explain the historical context and significance of the 1992 Consensus, consolidate the ideological foundation for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and unite compatriots on both sides of the Strait in a common struggle for the peaceful reunification of the motherland under the guidance of our Party's overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era.
SUPPORT OUR WORK
"Following the reform and opening up, our Party, in response to changes in the domestic and international situations, established the major policy of striving for peaceful reunification of the motherland and put forward the scientific concept of 'one country, two systems' in a creative way. In 1987, the isolation between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait was broken, which led to the development of mutual visits of people, economic and cultural exchanges between the two sides of the Strait. At the same time, various practical problems arose. In order to solve these problems, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait established the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) and Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) to conduct consultations and negotiations. In 1992, authorized by both sides of the Taiwan Strait, ARATS and Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation reached a consensus, also known as the 1992 Consensus, which stated orally that 'both sides of the Taiwan Strait adhere to the One-China principle' after repeated consultation, communication and correspondence. Although the 1992 Consensus was formulated orally by the two sides, its process and contents have been clearly documented and written down. No one or force can deny or distort it.
"The core implication of the 1992 Consensus is that 'both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China and will work together toward national reunification.' The historic significance of the 1992 Consensus lies in that it has laid the political foundation for the development of cross-Strait relations. It is precisely because of this political foundation that cross-Strait consultations and negotiations can be launched, inter-party exchanges between political parties on the two sides of the Straits promoted, and institutionalized consultation and contact mechanisms established across the Strait. It is precisely because of this political foundation that we have been able to realize the comprehensive, direct and two-way 'three direct links' between the two sides of the Strait, open up major exchanges, contacts and cooperation in economic, social, cultural and other fields, and greatly improve the well-being of people on both sides of the Strait. It is because of this political foundation that Taiwan's participation in the activities of international organizations such as the World Health Assembly and the International Civil Aviation Conference can be reasonably arranged. It is because of this political foundation that the leaders of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait met in 2015 for the first time since 1949, and the leaders of the two sides had direct dialogue and communication, bringing the political interaction between the two sides to a new height.
"The experience of the past 30 years has taught us that the Chinese people on both sides of the Strait have the ability and wisdom to solve their own problems. Compatriots on both sides of the Strait are all of the same family who share natural kinship. It's normal for family members to have disagreements, but there are no unresolved issues. As long as we keep in mind the future and destiny of our big family, we can discuss all other issues and find ways to seek common ground while shelving and narrowing differences. The 1992 Consensus is to seek the great similarities of one China while keeping the minor differences between the two sides. Today, the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process. We the Chinese people on both sides of the Strait must live up to our responsibility to our nation and to future generations; we should put our heads together, show creativity. Doing so will enable us to resolve the political antagonism at an early date, realize national reunification, and firmly hold the fate of the Chinese nation in their own hands.
"The practice of the past 30 years has taught us that the one-China principle is the anchor for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. The 1992 Consensus is important because it clarifies the fundamental nature of cross-Strait relations, that is, both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one and same China, and that the two sides are not state-to-state relations or 'one China, one Taiwan.' Although our two sides have yet to be reunified, the sovereignty and territory of China has never been severed. Both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the same country and Taiwan is part of China. The historical fact and legal basis have never changed and will never change.
"By adhering to the 1992 Consensus and endorsing the one-China principle, cross-Strait relations will improve and develop, and compatriots in Taiwan will benefit. However, denying the 1992 Consensus and deviating from the one-China principle will lead to tension and turbulence in cross-Strait ties, and that will undermine the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots
"The experience of the past 30 years has shown us that no force can stop the strong desire of compatriots on both sides of the Strait to get closer to each other. It has always been the popular opinion of people on both sides of the Strait to seek peace rather than conflict, development rather than stagnation, and exchanges rather than isolation. The 1992 Consensus embodies the aspirations of people on both sides of the Strait for peace, development, exchanges and cooperation. It is what the people desire, and it is a surging popular trend. It is precisely because of the broad support of public opinion that the 1992 Consensus has maintained its strong vitality. Our adherence to the 1992 Consensus reflects our respect for the people's will on both sides of the Strait, safeguard the interests of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, and defend the fruits of the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. Any words or deeds that distort or deny the 1992 Consensus are blasphemy to history and violation of public opinion, and are doomed to fail."
"The 1992 Consensus Is A Consensus That Seeks National Reunification"
"Comrades and friends,
"The world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is at a critical juncture. The situation across the Taiwan Straits is also facing a grim and complex situation. In the face of the new situation and new tasks, we must take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guide, gain a thorough understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, further strengthen our consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core and keep in alignment, enhance confidence in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and uphold General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position in both the Party Central Committee and the Party as a whole as well as the authority and centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee. We will resolutely implement the Party's overall strategy for solving the Taiwan question in the new Era and the Central Committee's decision and arrangement for work on Taiwan. We will adhere to the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, and move the ship of cross-Strait relations in the right direction.
"-- We should firmly grasp the general trend of history and firmly advance the process of national reunification. The 1992 Consensus is a consensus that seeks national reunification. The motherland must and will surely be reunified. This is determined by the time and momentum of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, as well as by the history and culture of the Chinese nation. Achieving reunification through peaceful means is our first choice for resolving the Taiwan question, which is in the best interest of compatriots on both sides of the Strait and the whole nation. We will strive toward the prospect of peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and greatest efforts and create broad space for it. On the basis of adhering to the one-China principle, we are willing to engage in dialogue, communication, and democratic consultations with all parties, groups, or individuals in Taiwan regarding political issues between the two sides and the promotion of peaceful reunification of the motherland, to reach institutional arrangements for promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and to explore a 'one country, two systems' solution to the Taiwan question. We sincerely hope that all people of vision in Taiwan will take an active part in promoting the just cause of national reunification. We welcome and support all propositions and efforts that are conducive to developing cross-Strait relations and promoting the reunification of the motherland.
"-- We will unswervingly adhere to the one-China principle and firmly oppose 'Taiwan independence' and external interference. The 1992 Consensus is a consensus on upholding the one-China principle and firmly opposing 'Taiwan independence.' Secessionist activities aimed at 'Taiwan independence' are the greatest obstacle to national reunification and a grave danger to national rejuvenation. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority has challenged the one-China principle, refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus, falsely claimed that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait should not be subordinate to each other, and wantonly tried to 'de-Sinicize' Taiwan. Certain countries connive and encourage the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces to stir up provocations, pour fuel on the flames and create cross-Strait confrontation. They do so only for their own selfish gains, not for the interests of the Taiwan people. Allowing such actions to continue will only plunge Taiwan into catastrophe, and cause misery for our compatriots in Taiwan. We do not renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary measures. This is to guard against external interference and a tiny number of separatists and their separatist activities for 'Taiwan independence.' It does in no way target our compatriots in Taiwan. 'Seeking foreign support to gain independence' is a dead end. The scheme to 'use Taiwan to contain China' is doomed to fail. We urge the Taiwan authorities and certain countries not to misjudge the situation or underestimate the resolve, the will, and the ability of the Chinese people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our compatriots in Taiwan should gain a deep understanding of the benefits of reunification, as well as the fact that 'Taiwan independence' leads to a dead end and that outsiders are not reliable. Taiwan compatriots should be proud of their Chinese identity.
"-- We will continue to deepen integrated development across the Strait and work wholeheartedly for the well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Strait. The 1992 Consensus is a consensus for the well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Strait. Since the very day of its founding, the Communist Party of China has made seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation its aspiration and mission. Our starting point and foothold in promoting the development of cross-Strait relations is to enable compatriots on both sides of the Strait to live a happier and better life. We will fully implement the people-centered philosophy of development, uphold the conviction of 'both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all of the same family,' continue to promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations, constantly improve the system and policies to ensure the well-being of Taiwan compatriots and their equal treatment on the mainland, wholeheartedly do practical work for Taiwan compatriots, do good for them and solve their difficulties. We warmly welcome young people from Taiwan to the mainland to pursue, build and realize their dreams. No matter how the situation may change, our original mission of working for the well-being of our Taiwan compatriots will not change. With the support of a strong motherland, Taiwan compatriots will enjoy better livelihood and better development."
"Extensively Unite All The Sons And Daughters Of The Chinese People, Including Our Taiwan Compatriots"
"Comrades and friends,
"Looking back on history is to write a new history, and only by keeping in mind the fundamentals can we open up a better future. Though the road ahead is dangerous and difficult, we can only achieve our goals with constant efforts. We must press ahead with a sense of perseverance to expect a better future. Let us rally even more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, grasp the law of history, draw on the wisdom of history, strengthen our confidence in history, and extensively unite all the sons and daughters of the Chinese people, including our Taiwan compatriots, to uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, so as to jointly create the historic cause of national reunification and share in the great glory of national rejuvenation!"
