Mainland highlights 1992 Consensus as Tsai elected Taiwan leader

TAIPEI/BEIJING -- The Chinese mainland's Taiwan affairs authority has reiterated the importance of adhering to the 1992 Consensus after Tsai Ing-wen, candidate of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), was elected Taiwan leader on Saturday.

In a three-way race to become Taiwan's next leader, Tsai defeated rivals Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Eric Chu and People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong.

A person in charge of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said in a statement released late on Saturday that the mainland's major principles and policies concerning Taiwan are "consistent and clear, and will not change with the results of Taiwan elections."

In the past eight years, on the political basis of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence," both sides have jointly explored a path for the peaceful development of the cross-Straits relations, set up an institutional framework for exchanges and cooperation, and maintained peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, the statement said.

"Such hard-won good momentum should be cherished," it said.

"We will continue to adhere to the 1992 Consensus and resolutely oppose any form of secessionist activities seeking 'Taiwan independence'," it read.

"On major matters of principle including safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, our will is rock-firm and our attitude is consistent," it added.

The mainland is willing to enhance communication and exchanges with all political parties and groups which recognize the principle that the Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to one China, the statement said.

"Together with people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, we are willing to maintain the common political foundation, the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and peace and stability across the Straits, and jointly create a bright future for the revival of the Chinese nation," it read.

Taiwan residents began voting in the island's leadership and legislature elections at 8 a.m. on Saturday and the polls closed at 4 p.m.