President-elect Lai Ching-te is calling on Beijing to engage with Taiwan's
"democratically elected and legitimate government" to promote cross-strait
peace.

Lai said "China needs to be confident and willing to deal with the
democratically elected and legitimate government entrusted by the people of
Taiwan"... because "only then can exchanges across both sides of the Taiwan
Strait proceed on the right path."

Lai maintained he has always been open to engaging in dialogue with Chinese
authorities and promoting mutual understanding.

He also said it was "the responsibility of the two governing parties across
the strait to engage in positive dialogue."

Lai also warned Beijing against "solely having exchanges with the opposition
under a certain prerequisite" - arguing that such a move will neither garner
"the support and trust of people" in Taiwan nor bring about a positive
developments in cross-strait relations.

The comments come after former President Ma Ying-jeou held talks with Xi
Jinping in Beijing, and after K-M-T Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia also visited
China earlier this month.

K-M-T caucus whip Fu Kun-chi is set to lead a delegation delegation of K-M-T
lawmakers to China today.