'1992 Consensus' vital to Taiwan's economy: Chang

Chang was once a forceful member of the pan-green coalition, but defected during former President Chen Shui-bian's administration. Chang heads Evergreen Group, the umbrella company over EVA Air and Evergreen Marine Corporation.

'1992 Consensus' is Lynchpin

He aired his views on the economic climate and the presidential election, at an invitation-only “morning tea” yesterday. Said Chang, the “1992 Consensus” is the lynchpin of Taiwan's economic development.

“I'm not supporting blue, not supporting green, and I have no comments on the three parties' candidates. My only concern is the future of Taiwan's economic development,” he said.

“But some presidential candidates believe that there is no '1992 Consensus,' and I am unable to agree,” he continued, adding he has found related news reports “vexing.”

He “has been all over the world” — the stability of Taiwan's “state of affairs and economy” compares favorably to that of other countries.

That's largely thanks to Taiwan's sound relationship with mainland China, he said.

Chang continued, the “1992 Consensus” permits cross-strait dialogue. So far, the consensus has opened up a healthy influx of mainland tourists.

Said Chang, tourist arrivals surpassed the 6-million mark last year. The visitors travel and shop, buying five, six rice cookers to share with friends and family. They buy local produce and stimulate the agricultural sector.

“If I don't stand up and say it, then Taiwan's economy could be affected.”

Chang told local media he met with incumbent candidate Ma Ying-jeou on Dec. 6, but declined an audience request with Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Tsai Ing-wen two months ago.

Chang Rejects 'Taiwan Consensus'

Chang outright rejected the “Taiwan Consensus.”

“Of course I don't agree with it,” Chang said yesterday, when asked for his views on the DPP concept of the Taiwan Consensus.

He said he sees the Taiwan Consensus as synonymous with “Taiwan Independence,” and called the idea of de jure independence “totally unfeasible.”

“Taiwan is a small island. The most important thing is that the people's lives are secure,” he said.

One of Tsai's crowning political promises is to achieve a cross-strait framework through democratic process — in other words, to create a Taiwan Consensus.

Said Chang yesterday, politicians come and go, and what they do in office is not necessary what declare on the campaign trail.

Chang stressed that the “1992 Consensus” should remain the foundation of bilateral interaction. But the “1992 Consensus” can be revised, he added.

Chang's Vote Not Clearly Blue: DPP

Chang's support for the “1992 Consensus” is not equal to support for Ma, said the DPP yesterday.

During the 2008 presidential election, Chang had expressed a clear preference for Ma, according to DPP spokesman Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁).

For this election, Chang is pulling back and professing neutrality, Chen continued.

Every person has an opinion and the DPP respects all opinions. Said Chen, presidential candidate Tsai is running on a platform that emphasizes tolerance.

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