Presidential Office Spokesman Wang Yu-chi said that the approach of the previous pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party government in the past eight years had failed in part because it focused too much on the name issue.

Wang said that under the government of Ma Ying-jeou, U.N. bids this September and in future years would focus on participation, because "only participation is meaningful."

Wang's comments confirmed a report earlier today in the China Times, a local daily newspaper, which cited unnamed National Security Council officials saying this year's U.N. bid would sidestep the issue of whether to apply as "Taiwan" or the "Republic of China."

For the past 15 years, Taiwan has failed in its bid to become a U.N. member due to opposition from China. Last year's failed bid was the first to use "Taiwan" instead of the Republic of China, the island's formal name, in a move to highlight the nation's de facto independence.

China and the U.S. criticized last year's bid using "Taiwan" as an attempt to alter the cross-Taiwan Strait status quo.

The 63rd U.N. General Assembly will convene in mid-September this year, at which time Taiwan is expected to make another bid for participation.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Henry Chen emphasized today that the government is still negotiating with the U.S. and Taiwan's diplomatic allies over the details of this year's bid.

Chen said that Deputy Foreign Minister Andrew Hsia will elaborate on the details on Friday.

Senior foreign ministry sources who did not want to be identified also confirmed to CNA that this year's bid will avoid the name dispute. They said this year's bid will follow the principles of "pragmatism and flexibility," in line with Ma Ying-jeou's call for a "diplomatic truce" with China.

Meanwhile, the DPP's legislative caucus blasted Ma's plan in a press conference today, arguing that the government should continue to bid for full U.N. membership under the name "Taiwan."

DPP Legislator Wong Chin-chu criticized President Ma Ying-jeou for emphasizing his Taiwanese identity on the campaign trail earlier this year, but then downplaying it after winning the presidency in March.

Also today, DPP Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen criticized the government, urging it to consider carefully what type of U.N. bid would best suit the nation's interests and its people's common aspirations.

Tsai said that the KMT's thinking does not meet the needs of a majority in Taiwan. She urged the KMT to conduct a comprehensive review of its China policy, its stance on Taiwan's sovereignty and its position on the country's drive to join international organizations.