TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Mainland Affairs Council published results of a survey on Thursday, which found that a majority of Taiwanese disagree with China’s claims related to Taiwan.
The MAC found that 79% of Taiwanese disagree with the assertion that Taiwan will inevitably be annexed by China, according to a press release. A similar number also dispute the so-called “One China principle,” which erroneously claims that the People’s Republic of China is the legitimate governing authority over Taiwan.
The survey queried participants on their views of cross-strait relations and Taiwan’s cross-strait policy under the Lai administration. It was conducted between May 22-24 by telephone, with 1,074 samples from adults over the age of 20.
Almost 70% of people surveyed agreed with President Lai’s emphasis on safeguarding Taiwan’s sovereignty. A similar number also agreed with the government’s efforts to enhance national security to prevent CCP infiltration and influence in Taiwan.
The survey found that 89% of respondents agree that China should respect Taiwan and engage in cross-strait dialogue without preconditions. Over 73% disagree that Taiwan must recognize the so-called “1992 Consensus” to engage in diplomatic discussions with China.
More than 86% expressed dissatisfaction with China’s increasingly aggressive campaign of gray zone tactics to intimidate Taiwan via aircraft and naval incursions.
The majority of respondents are critical of China’s efforts to exclude Taiwan from international forums and organizations. The MAC survey found 78% disagree with China’s efforts to obstruct Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly.
Nearly 87% agreed that Taiwan deserves the same representation and access to global health networks as any other nation, and should not be excluded from the WHO or similar organizations.
The MAC said that the survey shows public support for the administration’s approach to cross-strait dialogue and said its policy has not changed. Taiwan remains committed to upholding the status quo, and neither side should be viewed as subordinate to the other.
Taiwan calls on China to approach cross-strait issues with respect and to resolve disputes through communication rather than aggressive acts. Healthy cross-strait dialogue will benefit Taiwan and China by promoting peace and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait.
The survey has a 95% confidence level with a 2.9% margin of error, according to the press release.
