Acceptance of '92 Consensus a 'trend'

An official said on Wednesday that increasing numbers of Taiwan residents are realizing that the 1992 Consensus embodying the one-China principle is critical, especially following local elections in Taiwan last month, and the agreement is closely related to a desire to develop the economy and improve people's lives.

A recent poll by China Times in Taiwan showed that 61 percent of Taiwan residents agree with developing relations with the mainland under the consensus - an understanding reached between Beijing and Taipei in 1992 that the two sides belong to one China.

"We have noticed the trend," said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, who said most Taiwan compatriots recognize its significance and that it's tied to their self-interest.