A modest proposal for a basic agreement on peaceful cross-strait development

Abstract

"In order to promote peaceful development in cross-Strait relations, this article proposes that both sides of the Taiwan Strait sign a 'Basic Agreement on Peaceful Cross-Strait Development' - a temporary agreement (modus vivendi) to determine political relations and future development across the Strait. Three major points should be included in this agreement: first, both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one 'Whole China' and both sides have no intention to separate from this 'Whole China'; furthermore, both sides pledge not to split the 'Whole China', but to work in unison to maintain the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the 'Whole China'; second, both sides of the Taiwan Strait share constitutionally guaranteed equal relations, and normal relations across the Strait will develop on the basis of this constitutional equality; and third, both sides decide to establish communities in areas of common agreement in order to promote mutually cooperative relations." (author's abstract)