China should propose new framework for Taiwan engagement, opposition presidential candidate says

Speaking to foreign reporters in Taipei, Ko said his bottom line for talks with Beijing is to maintain the island’s free and democratic political system and way of life.

“If mainland China has a new offer, they should make a new proposal. It’s their obligations, not mine,” Ko said when asked about how he planned to restart talks with China, which have been frozen since the DPP government took office in 2016.

Ko said Beijing’s current offer to rule Taiwan under the “one country, two systems” model similar to that of Hong Kong has no appeal for the Taiwanese people.

Ko said Beijing should define what “one China” means – whether it is political, or economic.

“We will not deny that Taiwan is part of the Chinese culture circle. So I will tell the Beijing government that we share the same history, language, religion and culture,” Ko said, adding economic cooperation with China was also negotiable.

“But politically, at this moment, there’s nothing we can do.”