# Cross-Strait relations

Cross-Strait relations or Mainland–Taiwan relations, refer to the relationship between Mainland China and Taiwan.

## Quotes

* Fleeing the mainland, Jiang Jieshi took refuge on the island of Formosa (Taiwan), which China had regained from Japan after the end of World War Two. It was protected by the limited aerial and naval capability of the Communists and, eventually, by American naval power. However, until he intervened in Korea in 1950, Mao Zedong prepared for an invasion of Formosa, creating an air force to that end. Jiang, in turn, used Formosa and the other offshore islands he still controlled as a base for raids on the mainland. Meanwhile, in the spring of 1950, the island of Hainan and, in 1950–1, Tibet were conquered by the Communists, the capital of Tibet, Lhasa, being occupied on 7 October 1950.
** Jeremy Black, The Cold War: A Military History (2015)
* And now, Nostalgia is the coastline, a shallow strait. I, on this side, The mainland, on the other.
** Yu Kwang-chung (1987) cited in "Nostalgia" on The Isle Full of Noises: Modern Chinese Poetry from Taiwan, 1987.
* Relations across the strait, whether war or peace, now lies in the hands of presidents Chen Shui-bian and Jiang Zemin.
** Chen Shui-tsai (2000) cited in "A View From Kinmen" on Asia Week, 2 June 2000.
* The building of the Jindeng Bridge will not only help hone Taiwan's bridge building technologies, it will also help boost development in Kinmen itself. The Jindeng Bridge will facilitate the building of water pipes and electricity transmission cables between Kinmen and Xiamen, allowing Kinmen to import fresh water and electricity from (Mainland) China. A move that would also manifest Taiwan's sincerity in pursuing peace and co-prosperity with (Mainland) China.
** Lee Chu-feng (2009) cited in "Bridge to Xiamen popular with Kinmen residents" on Taipei Times, 8 February 2009.
* If we were to attack Iraq now, alone or with few allies, it would set a precedent that could come back to haunt us. In recent days, Russia has talked of an invasion of Georgia to attack Chechen rebels. India has mentioned the possibility of a pre-emptive strike on Pakistan. And what if China were to perceive a threat from Taiwan? So Mr. President, for all its appeal, a unilateral attack, while it cannot be ruled out, on the present facts is not a good option.
** Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) - Congressional Record, October 10, 2002.
* The present state of tension in the Taiwan area was created directly by Chinese Communist action, not by that of the Republic of China or by the United States. The fact is that following a long period of relative calm in that area, the Chine Communists, without provocation, suddenly initiated a heavy artillery bombardment of Quemoy and began harassing the regular supply of the civilian and military population of the Quemoys. This intense military activity was begun on August 23rd-some three weeks after your visit to Peiping. The official Peiping radio has repeatedly been announcing that the purpose of these military operations is to take Taiwan (formosa) as well as Quemoy and Matsu, by armed force. In virtually every Peiping broadcast, Taiwan (formosa) and the offshore islands are linked as the objective of what is called the "Chinese Peoples Liberation Army."
** Dwight D. Eisenhower; Letter to Nikita Khrushchev, Chairman, Council of Ministers, U. S. S. R., on the Formosa Situation, The American Presidency Project; 12 September 1958
* The issue, then, is whether the Chinese Communists will seek to achieve their ambitions through the application of force, as they did in Korea, or whether they will accept the vital requisite of world peace and order in a nuclear age and renounce the use of force as the means for satisfying their territorial claims. The territory concerned has never been under the control of Communist China. On the contrary, the Republic of China--despite the characterizations you apply to it for ideological reasons--is recognized by the majority of the sovereign nations of the world and its government has been and is exercising jurisdiction over the territory concerned. United States military forces operate in the Taiwan area in fulfillment of treaty commitments to the Republic of China to assist it in the defense of Taiwan (Formosa) and the Penghu (Pescadores) Islands. They are there to help resist aggression--not to commit aggression. No upside down presentation such as contained in your letter can change this fact.
** Dwight D. Eisenhower; Letter to Nikita Khrushchev, Chairman, Council of Ministers, U. S. S. R., on the Formosa Situation, The American Presidency Project; 12 September 1958
* Since a trilateral negotiation between Chinese mainland, Japan and Taiwan cannot be realized at the time, the Taiwan government should hold a dialogue with the mainland so the two sides could jointly discuss issues related to defending China's inherent territory.
** Yok Mu-ming (2012) cited in "Can mainland, Taiwan jointly defend Diaoyu Islands?" on China.org.cn, 17 September 2012.
* We can have think tanks on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to start to explore problems that still exist in the political area.
** Lien Fang Yu (2013) cited in "KMT's Lien Chan visits Beijing's Space City" on The China Post, 28 February 2013.
* Both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one family. There are no Taiwanese in Taiwan and Taiwanese are all Chinese. Which Taiwanese is not Chinese? They are Chinese just like you are. We are all brothers and sisters. The more (cross-strait) exchange we have, the more mixed we will be. Then we won't be able to distinguish who's Mainland and who's Taiwanese — and we will naturally become unified.
** Hsing Yun (2013) cited in "Taiwan Buddhist master: 'No Taiwanese'", Taipei Times, 31 March 2009.
* It's time that six decades of separation (between Taiwan and Mainland China) and previous generations' confrontation be ended. Let the current and the future generations choose common development and jointly create a situation of mutual benefits.
** Eric Chu (2009) cited in "Senior official urges "most broad-based" cross-Straits exchanges" on The Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China, 17 May 2009.
* There is no timeline for future political negotiations, but both of us (Taiwan and Mainland China) must develop and accumulate enough friendship and mutual trust.
** Wu Den-yih (2012) cited in: "Cross-strait ties are geography, not politics: Wu Den-yih" in Want China Times, 1 June 2012.
* Taipei has a responsibility to share its 60-year experience of democratization and economic development with Beijing. We also have a responsibility to make freedom, democracy, human rights and rule of law the core values for promoting cross-strait ties.
** Lin Chu-chia (2012) cited in "MAC sees Beijing reforms as key to cross-strait ties" on Taiwan Today, 13 November 2012.
* I believe that the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties will continue to be deepened and institutionalized.
** Lien Chan (2013) cited in "Hu Jintao meets Lien Chan, urging further co-op" on China Daily, 26 February 2013.
* One China; peace on both sides of the (Taiwan) Strait; mutually beneficial integration; strive for a Chinese revival.
** Lien Chan (2013) cited in "Inside China: Taiwan VIP’s pilgrimage to Beijing" on The Washington Times, 7 March 2013.
* I believe that both sides (Mainland China and Taiwan) will continue to be friendly while our (Republic of China) policies will remain firm.
** Lin Join-sane (2013) cited in "Taiwan offices in China may pool officials cross-ministry: Wang Yu-chi" on Want China Times, 15 March 2013.
* The service trade agreement is a pact that benefits related sectors across the Taiwan Strait and promotes the interests of the public on both sides. It will result in a win-win situation for both sides.
** Lin Join-sane (2013) cited in "Cross-strait service trade pact signed" on Taipei Times, 22 June 2013.
* It is the most crucial responsibility of the Straits Exchange Foundation and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits to seek the biggest benefits for people on both sides. We will handle cross-strait affairs realistically and with patience.
** Lin Join-sane (2013) cited in "SEF chair wants PRC tourists to transit in Taiwan" on Taipei Times, 22 June 2013.
* The slogans of 'countering back the mainland' created by Chiang Kai-shek and 'liberating Taiwan' by Mao Zedong several decades ago should be forgotten because none of them could be put into practice.
** Hau Pei-tsun (2013) cited in "Call for Beijing to work with Taiwan to reunify in 'Chinese-style' democracy" on South China Morning Post, 21 July 2013
* When people on both sides of the Strait reach a consensus on their political system, unification will come to fruition naturally.
** Hau Pei-tsun (2013) cited in "Ex-premier Hau calls for ‘Chinese-style’ democracy" on Taipei Times, 23 July 2013
* The key to cross-strait peace and stability lay in mutual recognition of the 1992 Consensus.
** Vincent Siew (2013) cited in "Taiwan's ex-Vice Pres. Siew meets Chinese Pres. Xi at APEC" on Global Post, 6 October 2013
* The DPP is committed to its responsibilities for the future of Taiwan, is willing to reconcile through dialogue as a means of normalizing cross-strait relations, and desires to be a responsible partner of fellow democracies in the Asia-Pacific.
** Su Tseng-chang (2013) cited in "DPP willing to normalize cross-strait relations: Su" on The China Post, 10 November 2013.
* The DPP will engage (mainland) China with a positive attitude and confidence, hoping to foster constructive and well-intentioned dialogues, while maintaining the party's values and basic positions. Unfortunately, (mainland) China remains stubborn and has always tried to coerce Taiwan into a framework defined by nobody but China.
** Su Tseng-chang (2013) cited in "DPP tells PRC to respect public, party views" on Taipei Times, 28 November 2013.
* If Taiwan can establish a democracy, so can you (Mainland China).
** Su Tseng-chang (2014) cited in "No independence clause revision: Su" on Taipei Times, 26 January 2014.
* (Mainland) China today is like the Chinese Nationalist Party when I first entered politics (in the 1970s), when it tried to control Taiwan through martial law. Today, (Taiwan) society is entirely liberal and we have managed to come this far.
** Su Tseng-chang (2019) cited in "Su rejects call to recognize ‘consensus’" on Taipei Times, 16 February 2019.
* The relationship between Scotland and the United Kingdom and that between the ROC-Taiwan and (Mainland) China are totally different. The ROC is an independent country, so the question of announcing independence via referendum is simply a nonstarter. Any kind of referendum that aims to change the status quo would be unwise. Keeping the ROC on Taiwan as an independent, sovereign state is our topmost priority. Any idea diverging from this would be at odds with the Constitution and against our citizens’ interests.
** Jiang Yi-huah (2014) cited in "ROC not Scotland, independence vote not needed: Jiang" on Taipei Times, 17 September 2014
* On this occasion we recall vividly the long, arduous struggle Free China has waged under your valiant leadership against foreign aggression and Communist tyranny and for the realization of the noble aspirations of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. Our alliance, based on ties of historic friendship and unity of purpose, has withstood the tests of the past. May it grow ever stronger in the years ahead.
** John F. Kennedy; Message to President Chiang Kai-shek on the 50th Anniversary of the Chinese Revolution Online, The American Presidency Project; 9 October 1961
* Today, China uses history to recast its invasion and occupation of Tibet as not anything of the sort. In the view of the Chinese government, it simply reasserted its historical rights, which had been established over the centuries. Taiwan, at least to the Chinese, presents a similar case. As Zhou Enlai said to Henry Kissinger in 1972, “History also proves that Taiwan has belonged to 'China for more than a thousand years—a longer period than Long Island has been part of the U.S.” In fact, history proves no such thing. In the case of Tibet, it is true that Dalai Lamas from time to time recognized the mandate of heaven of the emperor in far-off China, but for most of the time, the remote mountain land was left to its own devices. Taiwan has even looser ties with China. It was too far across the sea for most Chinese dynasties to bother with. Only the last dynasty, the Qing, tried to assert some control, partly because the island had become a refuge for pirates and rebels.
** Margaret MacMillan, The Uses and Abuses of History (2008) pp. 117-118
* The British colony of Hong Kong and the city-state of Singapore did the opposite of all other countries, and opened their economies wide, without trade barriers. The experts claimed that free trade would knock out the small manufacturing sectors they had, but, on the contrary, they industrialized at a record pace and shocked the outside world by becoming even richer than the old colonial master, Britain. Taiwan and South Korea learned from this and began to liberalize their economies with amazing results. Their rapid growth took them from being some of the poorest countries in the world to some of the richest in a few generations. It was a global wake-up call because it was so easy to compare what the Chinese in Taiwan achieved compared to the Chinese in Mao’s China, and what the Koreans in the capitalist south created compared to the Koreans in the communist north. In the mid-1950s, Taiwan was only marginally richer than China. In 1980, it was four times richer. In 1955, North Korea was richer than South Korea. (The north was, after all, where mineral resources and power generation were located when the country was partitioned.) Today, South Korea is twenty times richer than North Korea.
** Johan Norberg, The Capitalist Manifesto: Why the Global Free Market Will Save the World (2023)
* If we don't put forward such a proposal (signing a peace pact with Mainland China) and start negotiating with (Mainland) China, how can we know we will not achieve any results?
** Hung Hsiu-chu (2015) cited in "Cross-strait status quo is 'one China, same interpretation': KMT's Hung" on Focus Taiwan, 6 May 2015.
* If I win (2016 ROC presidential election), I will promote peace development across the Taiwan Strait and let people enjoy the benefits.
** Hung Hsiu-chu (2015) cited in "Taiwan's ruling KMT picks pro-China Hung as presidential candidate" on Channel NewsAsia, 19 July 2015.
* The development of Cross-Strait relations is not decided unilaterally by any one side. It depends on a consensus on both sides.
** Eric Chu (2015) cited in "Eric Chu to discuss China policy during visit to the United States" on The China Post, 22 October 2015.
* We should harbor a positive mentality to any cross-strait development and exchange.
** Eric Chu (2015) cited in "MA-XI MEETING: DPP opposition to Ma-Xi exchange ‘inappropriate’" on Taipei Times, 6 November 2015.
* Kinmen will become a rapidly developing free economic pilot zone and base for peaceful cross-strait development.
** Chen Fu-hai (2014) cited in "Inauguration Speech of the Sixth Kinmen County Magistrate" on Kinmen County Government, 24 November 2015.
* Both sides (Taiwan and Mainland China) are so lovely and so many of their people are behaving like heroes and heroines, and yet Taiwan's former ambition to 'recover the mainland' has become a thing of the past.
** Wu Den-yih (2016) cited in: "Ex-VP calls on China 'not to widen distance' with Taiwanese" in Focus Taiwan, 3 October 2016.
* Let's put all this (cross-strait conflict) aside. The best choice for both sides (Taiwan and Mainland China) at this moment is peace.
** Wu Den-yih (2016) cited in: "Wu Den-yih calls on China to improve Taiwan relations" in The China Post, 5 October 2016.
* Beijing should face up to the existence of the Republic of China, as it is the best connection linking Taipei and Beijing.
** Hau Lung-pin (2016) cited in "Peace reliant on 'consensus': KMT's Hau" on Taipei Times, 12 October 2016.
* Any threat toward Cross-Strait relations would be unproductive.
** Katharine Chang (2017) cited in "Beijing "cannot confirm" carrier's movement through the Taiwan Strait" on The China Post, 11 January 2017.
* Taiwan has no other way forward other than reunification with the mainland.
** Wang Yi (2021) cited in "US at risk of paying 'unbearable price' over Taiwan, says senior Chinese diplomat" on The Edge Market, 30 December 2021.
* We continue to assert the principles of no political preconditions, mutual respect and openness to innovation as the basis of talks with Beijing, while showing goodwill and creating a friendly environment for communication.
** Tien Hung-mao (2017) cited in "SEF invites ARATS to Kinmen Island" on Taipei Times, 19 January 2017.
* Bilateral (cross-strait) relations have always been difficult and complex, requiring patience, wisdom and effort on both sides.
** Katharine Chang (2017) cited in "Premier seeks goodwill after Chinese warnings on independence" on The China Post, 8 March 2017.
* We shouldn't push it away. As it is a huge market over there in mainland China, it behooves Taiwan to maintain friendly, smooth economic relations.
** Lin Chuan (2017) cited in "Taipei not adverse to China ties: Lin" on Taipei Times, 9 May 2017.
* It would be against (Mainland) China's hope of a rapprochement in cross-strait relations if it continues to ignore Taiwan's rights and suppress Taiwan's participation in international organizations.
** Lin Cheng-yi (2017) cited in "Taiwanese officials ready to work from WHA sidelines" on Taipei Times, 11 May 2017.
* With hindered communication across the strait, I will lead the (Kuomintang) party to take on the responsibility to protect and ensure the personal well-being, rights, social and economic exchange, and cultural transmission for people on both sides (Taiwan and Mainland China).
** Wu Den-yih (2017) cited in: "Wu stresses ‘1992 consensus’ in Xi reply" in Taipei Times, 22 May 2017.
* If they (Mainland China) say we (Mainland China and Taiwan) are close family, they won't repeatedly threaten to use force to settle disputes.
** Cheng Wen-tsan (2018) cited in "Taoyuan mayor calls for China to stop threatening Taiwan", Focus Taiwan, 7 March 2018.
* Of course, we are against Taiwan's independence, but we don't think right now is the time to talk about reunification (with Mainland China).
** Wu Den-yih (2018) cited in: "Taiwan opposition ditches pro-China overtures ahead of poll" in Financial Times, 8 May 2018.
* I hope that the team on the other side (Mainland China) can cooperate with us to contribute to the peaceful development of relations across the (Taiwan) strait, safeguard cross-strait security, and develop ideas for co-existence and mutual prosperity.
** Chen Ming-tong (2018) cited in "Taiwan's China policy agency hoping to work with Beijing counterpart" on Focus Taiwan, 19 March 2018.
* We (Taiwan and Mainland China) may not share the same history, but we could have a common destiny and future.
** Frank Hsieh (2013) cited in "Hsieh wraps up cross-strait forum in HK" on The Taipei Times, 1 July 2013.
* Both of our (Mainland China and Taiwan) legal and governance systems were built following the 'one China' structure. That is why cross-strait relations are not state-to-state relations and there is no room for Taiwanese independence.
** Lien Chan (2018) cited in "Lien Chan says no room for Taiwanese independence in talks with Xi Jinping" on Taipei Times, 14 July 2018.
* It (Mainland China) should be wiser in handling cross-strait affairs.
** Ko Wen-je (2018) cited in "Taiwan denounces China for taking its allies, brutish suppression" on Focus Taiwan, 21 August 2018.
* (Despite some people's opposition to Ko's statement of "both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family") Some (Taiwanese) people do expect to continue exchanges with (Mainland) China.
** Ko Wen-je (2018) cited in "Taipei mayor stresses need to reduce cross-strait tension" on Focus Taiwan, 20 December 2018.
* I used that phrase (both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family) in 2015 and last year (2017). Like I said at the very beginning, we should avoid throwing a wild card and should just stick to old practices.
** Ko Wen-je (2018) cited in "Shanghai open to new ties: vice mayor" on Taipei Times, 21 December 2018.
* What matters most in terms of cross-strait relations is that both sides demonstrate goodwill to each other. Nothing works if they (both sides) hold grudges.
** Ko Wen-je (2019) cited in "China's political formulas disallow ROC existence: MAC" on Focus Taiwan, 1 January 2019.
* The PRC has been deceptive, nasty, and manipulative; Taiwan has been transparent, forthright, open.
** Jay Nordlinger, "Taiwan: Pariah and Poster Child" (18 May 2020), National Review
* The two sides of the Taiwan Strait, based on the 'one China' principle, agreed that either side can freely interpret what 'one China' means in a verbal form. This means that the mainland can claim that the People's Republic of China represents all of China, while we can also claim that the Republic of China represents the whole of China.
** Wu Den-yih (2019) cited in: "KMT chief clarifies contents of '1992 consensus'" in Focus Taiwan, 4 January 2019.
* If President Tsai refuses to accept the '1992 consensus' and refuses to acknowledge its existence, I implore her to provide a specific solution for discourse with (Mainland) China, and not just throw around hipster slogans.
** Chiang Wan-an (2019) cited in "Chiang Wan-an reaffirms support for Tsai’s ‘musts’" on Taipei Times, 8 January 2019.
* The Kuomintang and the Democratic Progressive Party have both been avoiding elaborating on cross-strait relations, but the problem can only be solved by confronting it.
** Chang Ya-chung (2019) cited in "Ex-Hung Hsiu-chu aide eyes presidential run" on Taipei Times, 8 January 2019.
* As a local government, Kinmen should avoid becoming embroiled in (cross-strait) political affairs, but the county needs to seize opportunities (with Mainland China) when the atmosphere is right. Fujian and Kinmen are neighbors and during the trip to the (Fujian) province, the (Kinmen) county government can put forward ideas on future exchanges and cooperation between the two sides, in the hope of concrete results.
** Yang Cheng-wu (2019) cited in "Fujian, Kinmen ties lauded by county magistrate" on Focus Taiwan, 15 January 2019
** Yang Cheng-wu (2019) cited in "Fujian, Kinmen ties lauded by county magistrate" on Focus Taiwan, 15 January 2019
* If the Kuomintang has the opportunity to rule (Taiwan) again, then we would have met the conditions stipulated by the (Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area) law. Assuming talks between the two sides (Taiwan and Mainland China) are successful, a Kuomintang government would be within its rights to sign a cross-strait peace treaty.
** Wu Den-yih (2019) cited in: "Wu Den-yih says KMT could sign peace treaty if it regains presidency next year" in Taipei Times, 15 February 2019.
* Taiwan cannot sign such an (peace) agreement (with Mainland China).
** Su Tseng-chang (2019) cited in "Premier opposes peace agreement with China" on Focus Taiwan, 20 February 2019.
* I support China's "one country, two systems" policy and (Taiwan's) peaceful unification with China.
** Joyce Huang (2019) cited in "TV host accuses Tsai of canning show" on Taipei Times, 28 June 2019.
* Politics are politics and art is art. If (Mainland) China restricts its artists and film workers from coming to Taiwan to take part in this grand occasion for the Chinese-speaking world's film industry, then of course it is not Taiwan's loss.
** Kolas Yotaka (2019) cited in "China will 'lose' by boycotting Golden Horse Awards: Taiwan" on Focus Taiwan, 7 August 2019.
* As INTERPOL's third largest funder, (mainland) China has great influence on the organization's agenda and workings, which obviously presents us with a big challenge. Last year (2018), INTERPOL's secretariat asked us to deal with a case through (mainland) China's INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Beijing and even downgraded the Criminal Investigation Bureau under Taiwan's National Police Agency to the level of a local branch in China, disregarding our (Republic of China) sovereign status and our considerable contributions to tackling cross-border crime.
** Huang Ming-chao (2019) cited in "INTERPOL: Taiwan Can Help" in Taiwan Today, 8 October 2019.
* Taiwan does not trust China. Probably Taiwan knows better than any other country the nature of the Chinese Communist regime. Taiwan knows that you cannot rely on accurate information from China. So, from Day One, Taiwan acted to protect itself.
** Jianli Yang, as quoted in "Taiwan: Pariah and Poster Child" (18 May 2020), by Jay Nordlinger, National Review
* Kneeling before (mainland) China and begging for mercy would not make Taiwan better.
** Su Tseng-chang (2019) cited in "Kneeling to China won’t help ties: Su" on Taipei Times, 9 October 2019.
* What matters most (for Taiwan in dealing with Mainland China) is exerting the positive influence of Taiwan and making (mainland) Chinese people envy life on the (Taiwan) island. This would be key to the survival of Taiwan.
** Ko Wen-je (2019) cited in "Taipei Mayor says no need to infuriate China" on Taiwan News, 9 October 2019.
* Aborigines engaging in exchanges in (mainland) China should insist on being recognized as Aborigines, and not as Taiwanese minorities.
** Icyang Parod (2019) cited in "China should hear heritage: Icyang" on Taipei Times, 29 October 2019.
* Only through dialogue and exchanges and mutual respect can we promote goodwill and resolve the estrangement between the two sides of the strait.
** Eric Chu (2021) cited in "KMT's Chu laments Nicaragua switch to Beijing" on Focus Taiwan, 10 December 2021.
* We highly commend the right decision made by the Government of Nicaragua (to switch diplomatic relations from Republic of China to the People's Republic of China), which is in line with the prevailing trend of the times and people's aspirations.
** Zhang Jun (2021) cited in "Nicaragua cuts diplomatic ties with Taiwan to align with Beijing" on ALjazeera, 10 December 2021.
* Taiwan belongs to China. France, like most countries in the world including the United States as well as the European Union, does not officially recognize Taiwan's independence, though it maintains unofficial bilateral relations with Taipei.
** Fabien Roussel (2022) cited in: "Taiwan refutes French presidential candidate's 'Taiwan part of China' remark" in Focus Taiwan, 15 February 2022.