Analyse
Tsai’s remark aligns with Taiwan’s **consistent diplomatic stance** since her 2016 inauguration, emphasizing 'equality and dignity' as core principles for cross-strait engagement. The **Mainland Affairs Council (MAC)** and presidential office archives confirm this position was reiterated in multiple speeches and policy documents from 2016–2018. China’s insistence on the **‘1992 Consensus’** (which Tsai has not endorsed) as a precondition for talks supports her claim that Beijing imposes political conditions. No credible evidence contradicts her characterization of Taiwan’s approach during this period.
Achtergrond
Cross-strait relations deteriorated after Tsai’s election due to her refusal to explicitly accept the **‘1992 Consensus’**, which Beijing views as a prerequisite for dialogue. Her administration instead proposed **‘maintaining the status quo’** under the **Republic of China (Taiwan) Constitution**, framing interactions as **‘government-to-government’** rather than subordinate. This context underscores her 2017 statement’s emphasis on **sovereignty and mutual respect** as non-negotiable frameworks.
Samenvatting verdict
Tsai Ing-wen’s 2017 statement accurately reflects Taiwan’s longstanding policy of seeking dialogue with China under conditions of equality and without preconditions, as corroborated by official records and her administration’s public statements.