“The ‘1992 Consensus’ presents the right path for peaceful reunification and is for the good of all Chinese people. The agreement should be treasured,” said Hau Pei-tsun, the former Taiwanese Premier and retired General. Mr. Pei-tsun gave his remarks at a luncheon held by the China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC) in Philadelphia, USA, on October 24, 2016.

Mr. Hau, now 98 years old, was invited by the Hong Kong-based think tank, CEFC, to address forums held in New York City and Washington DC. He spoke in Philadelphia at the invitation of local Chinese community groups, on his way from New York to Washington.

                                      Mr. Hau Pei-tsun, the former Taiwanese Premier and retired General

Mr. Hau directly facilitated the development of the “1992 Consensus”, as well as the first dialogue between leaders of the KMT and the CPC, which took place in Singapore in April 1993.

Mr. Hau stressed that the “1992 Consensus” is the foundation for peaceful cross-Strait ties. He said that there was no factual base for the Democratic Progress Party (DPP) denial of the existence of the “1992 consensus”.

Mr. Hau repeatedly emphasized the “1992 Consensus” as the right path for the peaceful reunification of the Chinese people.

According to Mr. Hau, there is no grey area between “independence” and “reunification”. “People will not back politicians that pretend to uphold Chinese reunification when they do not.”

For 60 years, Mr. Hau has resolutely opposed Taiwanese independence. He believes that the call for Taiwan’s independence is used mainly to capture votes, and is never intended as a serious policy measure.

Mr. Hau said that the 1972 Shanghai Communique marked a dead-end for Taiwan’s independence. Independence initiatives therefore signify nothing, and only put the lives and fortunes of the 23 million Taiwanese people at risk.

                                        Dr. Ho Chi-ping Patrick, Deputy Chairman and Secretary of CEFC

Dr. Ho Chi-ping Patrick, Deputy Chairman and Secretary of CEFC, said that “1992 Consensus” is far from a simple concept. According to Dr. Ho, the consensus delineates the nature of cross-Strait relations and the “One China” principle, embodying the wisdom and sincerity of Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. The DPP’s denial of the “1992 Consensus” after coming into power has posed great challenges to cross-Strait relations and their peaceful development, putting Taiwan’s social and economic progress in danger.

In his remarks, Dr. Ho also sought to highlight the important role of the overseas Chinese community in promoting cross-Strait relations and achieving peaceful reunification.

For his closing comments, Dr. Ho appealed to the leaders of Taiwan to recognize the “1992 Consensus” and the principle of “One China”. Doing so would ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and bring fortune to both the people of Taiwan and Chinese people throughout the world.

Zhang Wen-qin, Chairman of the Federation of China Association for Pennsylvanian Compatriots, said that the “1992 Consensus”, which has been agreed in principle by both leaders in mainland China and Taiwan, is the political foundation for the peaceful cross-Strait ties. “Irregardless of what political side one is taking, all Chinese people should uphold the ‘1992 Consensus’ and the principle of one China, and should firmly oppose any forms of Taiwan independence separatist activities,” said Zhang. He also urged Taiwan’s new leader to recognize the “1992 Consensus” in order to safeguard peace and stability across the Strait.

The China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC) is an NGO with Special Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC).It serves as a high-end strategic think-tank engaged in energy strategy research, energy and public diplomacy, global energy cooperation, and cultural exchange.