Taiwan student protest revealed ‘unfounded fears’
Print Edition
CHINA’S mainland will show more respect and understanding with regard to the Taiwan people’s way of thinking, according to the country’s top political adviser.
“We understand the mentality Taiwan compatriots have developed under special historical conditions; we respect their identification with the current social system, values and lifestyle; and we know that some friends still harbor misgivings on the development of the cross-Strait relations,” Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, told a forum on cross-Strait ties in the coastal city of Xiamen yesterday.
In March, Taiwan students seized the headquarters of the island’s legislative body in protest against a mainland-Taiwan trade pact. Some analysts said the protest required both sides to rethink problems in cross-Strait relations.
“The development of cross-Strait relations is like sailing on the sea — you’re never going to have favorable winds throughout the voyage,” Yu told the forum.
Cross-Strait relations are bound to encounter deeper problems as they develop, and it is important that “we give each other more understanding, respect and consideration from the perspective of one family.”
Yu said that the mainland leadership will continue to roll out measures that will be of benefit to the people of Taiwan.
Yu said the mainland would listen to people from all walks of life in Taiwan and form a better understanding of their practical needs, so cross-Strait cooperation can benefit more people. “I believe as long as we consolidate opposition against ‘Taiwan Independence,’ adhere to the ‘1992 consensus’ and uphold the one-China framework, cross-Strait relations will move on steadily,” he added.
After the three-week student protest in March, questions were raised as to why the service pact, widely deemed as a boost to the island’s lackluster economy, would cause a reaction from the Taiwan public, particularly students.
Some feared the pact would hurt the island’s small and medium-sized companies and the self-employed, or raise the possibility of “mainland dominance of Taiwan’s economy.”
Analysts attributed such unfounded fears to a lack of understanding, which suggested the mainland’s goodwill has yet to reach some segments of the Taiwan population.
At a meeting with James CY Soong, chairman of Taiwan’s People First Party in May, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, promised to “learn more about the practical needs of the Taiwan people, especially those at the grassroots, and take proactive and effective steps to take care of vulnerable groups.”
Yu encouraged the Taiwan youth to realize their potential on the “broad stage” of cross-Strait cooperation.
Yu’s comment was echoed by Zhang Zhijun, director of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, who called for more support for small and medium-sized companies in cross-Strait cooperation and the expansion of youth exchange activities.
Zhang said the mainland was willing to share its market opportunities with Taiwan compatriots before anyone else.
Tseng Wen-pei, chairman of the Youth League of the KMT, Taiwan’s ruling party, suggested the mainland encourage more Taiwan people to seek better-paying jobs here.
It will not only solve the island’s woe of low wages but also enhance their understanding and trust on the cross-Strait development, he said.
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