We will not accept the Beijing authorities’ ‘one country, two systems’ framework... The vast majority of Taiwanese public opinion also firmly opposes ‘one country, two systems,’ and this is also the ‘Taiwan consensus.’

Analysis

In a speech at National Taiwan University on 26 January 2019, President Tsai Ing‑wen explicitly stated that Taiwan will not accept Beijing’s “one country, two systems” framework and referred to a “Taiwan consensus” opposing it. Multiple opinion polls from 2018‑2019 show that roughly 70‑80 % of respondents reject the model, supporting her claim of a vast majority opposition.

Background

Since taking office in 2016, President Tsai has consistently rejected any form of “one country, two systems” for Taiwan, emphasizing sovereignty and democratic values. Public opinion surveys in Taiwan have consistently shown strong resistance to the model, especially after heightened cross‑strait tensions in 2018‑2019.

Verdict summary

Tsai Ing‑wen did say Taiwan will not accept the “one country, two systems” model and noted that most Taiwanese oppose it, reflecting the prevailing public sentiment.

Sources consulted