Hu, Lien emphasize importance of 1992 consensus to current ties

Chinese President Hu Jintao and former R.O.C. Vice President Lien Chan both stressed that cross-strait ties must continue to be built on the “1992 consensus,” which allows different interpretations of the meaning of “one China.”

“Under the present circumstances, we must continue our efforts... toughening (the stance) against Taiwan independence, and sticking to the spirit of the 1992 consensus, so as to maintain peaceful cross-strait development,” said Hu.

Lien said the consensus is the major foundation for the peaceful development of relations between Taiwan and China, and the cornerstone of cross-strait trade benefits and prosperity.

Although both sides cannot agree on the meaning of “one China,” Taiwan hopes that disputes and differences can be set aside, the former vice president said.

He also put forth the issue of signing a cross-strait peace agreement to Hu, hoping that both sides “could start to exchange views on the peace issue.”

Lien expressed the hope that both sides could review the issue in due time, but that this should be a more long-term goal.

But Lien maintained that his meeting with Hu must not be seen as a discussion on signing a peace agreement, as the Chinese president did not respond to the issue.

Neither did they talk about Taiwan's presidential election slated for January, said Lien.

Beijing has been cautious in responding to the possibility of signing a peace treaty with Taipei since President Ma Ying-jeou included the idea in the platform for his reelection campaign.

Lien, a Kuomintang elder who retired as vice president in 2000, met Hu for the first time in 2005 when the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party was governing Taiwan.

While Taipei and Beijing are both members of APEC, the presidents of Taiwan have never been able to attend its summits because of China's objections.

It is the fourth consecutive year that Lien has represented Ma at the APEC meeting.

During the 55-minute meeting Friday, Lien urged China to speed up negotiations on a cross-strait investment protection agreement and follow-up on issues in line with the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) they have signed.

Lien said he told Hu that the Taiwan business community hopes ECFA-related negotiations can be pushed forward.

While acknowledging the complex nature of the issues, Hu said: “Basically, they will be resolved one by one,” according to Lien.

On the investment protection agreement, which originally was scheduled to be signed in the seventh and latest round of cross-strait talks, Hu said that he hopes the issue could be resolved step by step when the two sides meet in the future.

Lien arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii Thursday to attend the APEC summit scheduled for Nov. 12-13.

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