More than 100 taxi drivers gathered in Taipei on Wednesday to protest against Taiwan new leader Tsai Ing-wen's refusal to recognize the 1992 Consensus.
Dozens of taxis passed by the headquarters of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), with slogans posted on them reading "We need the 1992 Consensus. We need to keep our livelihood" and " The 1992 Consensus means a good life."
The drivers and their families gathered across the street from the building, shouting similar slogans.
In her inaugural address last Friday, Tsai said she respected "the historical fact that the two institutions representing each side across the Taiwan Strait reached joint acknowledgements and common understandings in 1992 through communication and negotiation," but she has not recognized the 1992 Consensus as embodying the one China principle.
"My income fell by about 10,000 new Taiwan dollars (306 U.S. dollars) per month because less tourists come from the mainland," said Sun Chung-le, a 67-year-old driver.
Sun blamed Tsai' s stance on cross-Strait relations for the decrease of mainland tourists. In the past, Sun often saw as many as 10 mainland tourists per day, but now the number is few and sometimes he does not have even one for several days.
"We urge Tsai Ing-wen to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus and continue development of cross-Strait relations. We expect more mainland tourists in Taiwan, which will ensure our income increases," said Zhang Chih-ming, another driver.
Over the past eight years, mainland tourists to Taiwan have been increasing and individual tourists in particular have made taxi drivers earn much more, said the organizer of the gathering.
"The revenue is half that of the past," said a taxi driver surnamed Dai. "Many taxi drivers, who used to rely on mainland tourists, have to find part-time jobs to make ends meet."
"We hope the DPP administration cares about people's lives and recognizes the 1992 Consensus. Only in this way can cross-Strait relations develop. To loosen our ties with the mainland will only do harm to Taiwan's economy, " he said.
