​
​1992 CONSENSUS 
A definition of one China came out after negotiators from the two sides met in Hong Kong in 1992 and reached a non-written agreement that “there is only one China with each side of the Strait defining the term as it sees fit”.  This became known as the “1992 Consensus”.  It was not very precise for either side.

​China’s slogan described the end result after negotiations: a single state of China that had two economic systems.  China was concerned with the substance of the outcome, not so much the form of the negotiations.  It was offering a compromise that went beyond the Hong Kong formula for a “high degree of autonomy”.

Taiwan’s response was to promote the idea of two political entities which were focused on the preconditions and form of the negotiating process. It was concerned more with positioning itself well so it could achieve a higher level of autonomy. Taiwan has been more concerned with form and process than substance and nearly all the rhetoric has resulted in delay.

​Strait Talk, Chapter Five: The Issues

People's Republic of China (PRC)

The 1992 Consensus embodies the one-China principle and defines the fundamental nature of cross-Straits relations; it thus holds the key to the peaceful development of relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. Recognize the historical fact of the 1992 Consensus and that the two sides both belong to one China, and then our two sides can conduct dialogue to address through discussion the concerns of the people of both sides, and no political party or group in Taiwan will have any difficulty conducting exchanges with the mainland.
President Xi Jinping
"Secure a Decisive Victory in Building a Moderately Prosperous Society in All Respects and Strive for the Great Success ofSocialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era"
​
Delivered ​at the 19th National Congress
of the Communist Party of China
​October 18, 2017

Xi Jinping
​Administration
​(2012 - )

2017
2016
2015
2012 - 2013
I hope parties and organizations in Taiwan accept the 1992 Consensus.
President Xi Jinping 
​"Xi calls for adhering to one-China principle ​ in meeting with Ma"
Xinhua
​November 2015

Hu Jintao Administration
​(2002 - 2012)

2012
2010 - 2011
2008 - 2009
2006 - 2007
2004 - 2005
2002 - 2003
In 1992, our two sides reached the 1992 Consensus, on the basis of which we held the first Wang Daohan – Koo Chen-fu talks. In 2005, Kuomintang (KMT) and CPC leaders actualized a historic meeting and concluded the Common Vision for Cross-Straits Peaceful Development. ​
Let Us Join Hands to Promote the Peaceful Development of Cross-Straits Relations and Strive with a United Resolve for the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation

Speech at the Forum Marking the 30th Anniversary of
the Issuance of the Message to Compatriots in Taiwan

December 31, 2008
Hu Jintao

Yang Shangkun Administration
(1988-1993)
At this working-level consultation in Hong Kong, SEF representatives suggested that each side use respective verbal announcements to state the one China principle. On November 3rd, SEF sent a letter to ARATS, formally notifying that "each side will make respective statements through verbal announcements." ARATS fully respects and accepts SEF's suggestion.​
- People's Daily, PRC, November 6, 1992

Republic of China (ROC Taiwan)

2017
2016
Tsai Ing-wen Administration (2016)
​
In 1992, the two institutions representing each side across the Strait (SEF & ARATS), through communication and negotiations, arrived at various joint acknowledgements and understandings. It was done in a spirit of mutual understanding and a political attitude of seeking common ground while setting aside differences. I respect this historical fact.
President Tsai Ing-wen Inaugural address 
​May 20, 2016

Ma Ying-jeou Administration (2008-2016)

2016
2015
2013 - 2014
2011 - 2012
In our interpretation, the 1992 consensus does not involve two Chinas, one China and one Taiwan, or Taiwan independence.
Former President Ma Ying-jeou
"Ma: Taiwan to solidify '1992 consensus' ​to pursue
​cross-strait peace"
Focus Taiwan News Channel
​November 2015

Chen Shui-bian Administration
​(2000-2008)
We also oppose the `1992 consensus' placed within the context of `one China' or `one country, two systems,' and reject any proposal that is premised on `unification.
- Chen Shui-bian
Taipei Times
August 07, 2005

Lee Teng-hui Administration
​(1988-2000)
Peking has agreed to a Taipei proposal that both sides "orally state" their respective "one China" principle in the process of joining efforts to pursue national unification, they have different understandings about the substance of "one China.
- Central News Agency, Taiwan, November 18, 1992

Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF)

BLOG POSTS

U.S.-China-Taiwan Relations and the "Status Quo"
Like the concept of ‘'one China'’, the status quo not only is an established concept framing relations between the U.S., PRC, and Taiwan but also has several interpretations.  To date, however, experts have not yet parsed the different definitions of status quo, the different status quo policies, as well as how the status quo is tied to the 1992 Consensus.  This article fills that gap.
The North Korean Nuclear Challenge
Stopping of the military exercises would cause serious questioning by North Korea and South Korea that the U.S. would respond to a North Korean attack. ​
The Strategic Evolution of China-Taiwan-U.S.
​Military Ties
The salient question is: Why are these incidents, which used to play a larger role in international dialogue, now downplayed? Our interpretation is that we are at a new point in the evolution of military strategies in the planning organizations in all three nations.
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