"A peaceful development of relations between the two shores of the [Taiwan] Strait to the benefit of both sides, of people both sides of the strait. We will adopt more political decisions aimed at enhancing cooperation in the field of business between mainland China and Taiwan," Li told reporters.
Both the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC), widely known as Taiwan, claim sovereignty over Chinese territory. The future of cross-strait relations remains uncertain following The Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) victory in Taiwan's January elections. The DPP rejects the PRC's claim over Taiwan, instead supporting Taiwanese independence.
The Chinese prime minister affirmed China's determination to pursue relations in accordance with the 1992 consensus, which stipulates that both sides should follow the "one China principle" while interpreting the principle on sovereign terms.
The consensus, agreed upon by semi-official representatives from both sides, remains unrecognized by many political forces in Taiwan, including the DPP.
Li added that he is optimistic about the matter of developing cross-strait ties, stressing that economic collaboration would benefit both sides.
Nevertheless, China remains determined to reject Taiwan's independence. In early March, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated China's intention to oppose any action aimed at Taiwan’s independence.
The dispute between China and Taiwan arose after nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) forces retreated to the island of Taiwan as the Communist forces gained control of mainland China, in 1949. The KMT has remained a major party in Taiwan to this day.
