1992 Consensus stressed by mainland after Taiwan poll

Major principles and policies concerning Taiwan are consistent and clear, and will not change after the results of the island's elections held on Saturday, according to the mainland's Taiwan affairs authority.

The authority was commenting in a statement after Democratic Progressive Party candidate Tsai Ing-wen was elected Taiwan leader.

The statement, issued by the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, reiterated the importance of adhering to the 1992 Consensus.

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

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

In the past eight years, both sides have jointly explored a path for the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, set up a framework for exchanges and cooperation, and maintained peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, the statement said.

Tsai, who defeated Kuomintang candidate Eric Chu and People First Party chairman James Soong in a three-way race, has become the island's first female leader.

Of the 113 seats in the legislature, the DPP won 68, the KMT 35 and the New Power Party five. Three seats went to the PFP, one to the Nonpartisan Solidarity Union and one to an independent candidate.

Ni Yongjie, deputy director of the Shanghai Institute of Taiwan Studies, said, "Tsai and the DPP had total success but will also face many challenges," including reviving the economy.

Zhu Songling, director of the Institute of Cross-Straits Relations at Beijing Union University, said the KMT's failure stemmed from internal contradictions and a failure to keep up with the times.