The DPP knows perfectly well that the 1992 Consensus is a pillar of cross-Strait peaceful development. But from day one, it has repudiated the 1992 Consensus. Therefore, it cannot recant. This is the DPP's dilemma.

ROC President Ma Ying-jeou unveiled plans to further promote cross-strait relations by expanding exchanges, establishing reciprocal representative offices, completing economic agreements and reviewing relevant laws.

Agreements are aimed at supporting Taiwanese businesses in mainland China.

While conditions for cross-strait peace is increasing for the near term, the challenges in the mid-to-long term continue to grow and will require a readjustment in the way Washington approaches cross-Strait relations.

The Cross-strait Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement, concluded on August 9, 2012, is seen as a positive and key milestone in enhancing the cross-strait trade and investment relationship.

For Chinese tourists, touring Taiwan is a novelty, a way for them to experience a place they've only read about in books. But eventually, the mainland population that's interested in seeing Taiwan firsthand is going to run out. And once initial curiosity is sated, Chinese tourists are not liable to return unless they'd previously had a good — and not just satisfactory — tour experience.

The long-awaited agreements on customs cooperation and investment protection will go some of the way toward eliminating bilateral trade barriers and spurring commercial activities across the Taiwan Strait.

The Cross-Strait Investment Guarantee Agreement attracted the attention not just of Taiwan businessmen, but of the general public. It is a substantive legal document deserving our recognition. It is worth taking the time to analyze its significance.

Taiwan yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of the adoption of a key document that set the tone for Taipei's movements on cross-strait ties. While Taipei-Beijing ties have seen many changes over the past two decades, the “one China” concept as spelled out in the document remains both problematic and crucial.

The difficulties and predicaments facing Taiwan companies doing business in China have once again been underscored by the troubles that Pacific Sogo has seen running department stores in one of the world's biggest and fastest-rising markets.

Consensus has been reached on the basics of a cross-strait currency settlement mechanism, and results are expected soon from substantive talks.

Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office finally made a formal response to President Ma's second inaugural address. Spokesman Yang Yi, when asked whether the speech would affect follow-up consultations between the two sides, replied straightforwardly, "It will not." We are not the least bit surprised.

The meeting between ROC Vice President-elect Wu Den-Yih and mainland Chinese leader Li Keqiang at the Boao Forum for Asia showed that the channel for making connections across the Taiwan Strait still works well.

Characterization of the cross-strait status quo as “one Republic of China, two areas” has been determined through constitutional amendments enacted more than two decades ago and has not changed during successive administrations.

We look forward to the swift signing of a currency clearing agreement, and the implementation of cross-Strait currency interchangeability.