Majority of Taiwan support cross-strait relations

Survey shows that majority of Taiwan support maintaining the status quo in cross-strait relations

The Taiwan government’s policy of engaging in institutionalized cross-strait negotiations has struck a chord with the public, according to the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), which is responsible for dealing with cross-strait affairs in Taiwan government.

In a survey released Jan. 7 by the MAC, more than 72 percent of respondents support institutionalized talks as a way of addressing issues between Taipei and Beijing. Only 15.1 percent are opposed, with 12.4 percent expressing no opinion.

Nearly 58 percent acknowledge that Taipei-Beijing ties have improved since President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May 2008, while 26 percent consider the situation to be unchanged and 10.2 percent see escalating tensions.

Although Taipei-Beijing ties are generally seen as improving, 51.6 percent believe mainland China holds an unfriendly attitude toward Taiwan government.

On the future of cross-strait relations, 87.3 percent support maintaining the status quo. Of these, 7.1 percent want eventual unification and 17.6 percent independence.

ENDS

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