May 2008 Mainland Affairs Council, The Executive Yuan, Republic of China 16F, 2-2, Chi-nan Road, Sec. 1, Taipei Taiwan Tel: 886-2-2397-5589 Fax: 886-2-2397-5286 WWW URL: www.mac.gov.tw E-mail: macst@mac.gov.tw |
Total : 375 (April 30, 1991 - March 31, 2008)
001ASSISTING THE MAINLAND ( 15 Items) |
1. | June 12, 1995 | Offering Agriculture Assistance. President Lee at the press conference upon his return from the United States, indicates that cross-strait agricultural cooperation may be a topic for discussion when leaders from Taipei and Beijing meet. He says, "This is not competition, this is mutual assistance so that Chinese people will all prosper". |
2. | Feb. 19, 1998 | Offering State-owned Enterprise Reform Assistance. Mainland Affairs Council Chairman King-yuh Chang indicates that Taipei is willing to offer assistance for the reforms of mainland state-owned enterprises. |
3. | June 20, 2000 | Supporting Mainland China in its effort to host the Olympics. President Chen Shui-bian indicates in a press conference after assuming office for one month that the ROC government has not ruled out the possibility of supporting the Beijing authorities in their bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games. |
4. | Aug. 23, 2001 | Beacon for the Mainland's Democratic Movement. While receiving Henry J. Hyde, chairman of International Relations Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, President Chen Shui-bian said that we are glad to see that Mainland China can advance toward democratization and modernization step by step. With all of its democratic achievements, Taiwan is willing to be a beacon showing the path of democratic development for the Mainland China. |
5. | Aug. 26, 2002 | Contribution to China's Democracy. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Democratic Cooperation Forum, President Chen Shui-bian said Taiwan, a model of the global third wave of democratization, is willing to join advanced democratic countries to contribute to the consolidation of the newly emerging Asian democracies and the promotion of the democratization of the Mainland, particularly Mainland China, in Asia. |
6. | Sep. 8, 2002 | Offering Needed Assistance for the Democratization of the Mainland. President Chen Shui-bian mentioned at the Sanchih Conference that in order to assist the Mainland in taking the first step to promote democratization, we intend to invite Mainland people concerned to visit to Taiwan and witness the year-end elections. We also intend to assist the Mainland in training personnel in charge of running elections, in order to build a foundation for the promotion of its democratization. |
7. | Nov. 9, 2002 | In the Promotion of Democratization in the Mainland, Taiwan Voluntarily and Actively Offers to Share Its Experiences. Chairperson Tsai promised during her speech at Washington D. C. that the Taiwan Government will establish a "Taiwanese Democracy Foundation" on the one hand to continue to enhance the development of democracy on the island, and, on the other hand, to establish an association with related organizations of democratically progressive countries, such as the US, Japan, and Western European countries, in order to collectively promote democratization in the Mainland. In the promotion of democratization in the Mainland, Taiwan is a successful example from which the Mainland can learn and emulate. Moreover, Taiwan can even share its experiences voluntarily and actively. |
8. | Dec. 10, 2002 | Assisting the Mainland in Its Pursuit of Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights. In the opening ceremony of the Human Rights Memorial Park in Green Island, President Chen Shui-bian expressed that armed with their Taiwan experience, the Taiwanese people are highly enthusiastic in assisting the Mainland in its pursuit of freedom, democracy, and human rights. |
9. | Jan. 1, 2003 | Sharing Taiwan's Unique Experience in Democratization with the Mainland. Given the appropriate opportunity, we would be willing to share Taiwan's unique experience in democratization with the political leaders as well as members of society in China.
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10. | Jan. 16, 2003 | Sharing the Taiwan Experience and Assisting the Mainland in Realizing its Democratization. In an address at the welcome cocktail of the "International Legislators' Conference on Security in the Asia-Pacific Region," Premier Yu Shyi-kun pointed out that Taiwan is willing to share its experience in democratization with the Mainland through civilian and government channels, and engage in exchanges to speed up the implementation of democratization in the Mainland. Asia-Pacific countries, while engaging in economic cooperation, should seriously face the fact of the rise of the Mainland economy.
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11. | Jan. 21, 2003 | Helping the Mainland Democratize Is Beneficial to Stability and Peace Across the Taiwan Strait. Speaking at a Lunar New Year gathering of the diplomatic corps, President Chen Shui-bian pointed out that the achievements of Taiwan in its implementation of democratization can serve as a model for the world. Taiwan is willing to share these fruits with the rest of the world. Helping the Mainland move towards democratization can not only improve the lives of the people in the Mainland, but can also bring stability and peace across the Taiwan Strait.
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12. | Feb. 25, 2003 | Comprehensive Assistance for the Democratization of the Mainland. Premier Yu Shyi-kun said during an administrative verbal report at the Legislative Yuan that Taiwan will make a comprehensive effort to assist the Mainland in its democratization, hoping that its authorities will guarantee the freedom of speech, hold elections at all levels, and lift the ban on the establishment of political parties and the news media as soon as possible.
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13. | July 13, 2003 | Let Taiwan's Experience in Democracy Serve as a Beacon to Hong Kong and the Mainland. At the symposium on "the Prospects of Hong Kong as Seen from Article 23 of the Basic Law," Chiou I-jen, Secretary-general to the President, reads out the address of President Chen Shui-bian on his behalf, expressing that it is democracy in Taiwan that could serve as a model for the democratization of Hong Kong and the Mainland. Democracy has been Taiwan's most precious asset to ensure its role in the international community, and the cornerstone of Taiwan's political and social stability. |
14. | Sep. 29, 2003 | We Are Willing to Cooperate Hand in Hand with Advanced Democracies in Promoting Democracy in the Mainland. Attending International Conference on Political and Economic Security in Asia-Pacific , President Chen Shui-bian emphasizes that as a model of the world's third-wave democracies, Taiwan is willing to make a contribution by cooperating with the advanced democracies in solidifying the newly emerging democracy in Asia and in enhancing democratization in Asia, especially in China. |
15. | Nov. 12, 2003 | Mainland China Can Learn from the Experiences of the Republic of China in Implementing Democracy. In a special address at the International Conference on "Democracy, Nationalism and Security in the Asia Pacific," Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen states that viewed from the long term, only through the actual democratization of Mainland China will cross-Strait relations be able to make a whole new breakthrough. In the future, Mainland China can refer to the successful experience of the Republic of China on Taiwan in developing a democratic system. |
002PROMOTING PEACE (124 Items) |
16. | Apr. 30, 1991 | Ending Offensive Strategic Posture. ROC President Lee Teng-hui proclaims an end to the Period of National Mobilization for Suppression of the Communist Rebellion, and pronounces that the ROC government renounces the use of military force for the pursuit of national unification. |
17. | Apr. 8, 1995 | Proposing Cross-strait Cooperation. President Lee, responds to President Jiang Zemin's eight-point proposal for cross-strait policy by enunciating a six-point offer to seek cross-strait cooperation on the bases of equality and mutuality. |
18. | May 20, 1996 | Voyage of Peace. President Lee, in his inaugural speech as the ninth president of the Republic of China, states that he is willing to undertake a "voyage of peace to the mainland" and to exchange views with Beijing's top leader on peace, stability, and prosperity of the Asian Pacific region. |
19. | Apr. 17, 1998 | Joint Effort on Resolving Asian Financial Crisis. Premier Vincent Siew proposes that Taipei and Beijing cooperate in assisting Southeast nations in resolving the financial crisis and to invite them to jointly develop the resources in South China Sea. |
20. | July 22, 1998 | Proposing Bilateral Peace Agreement. President Lee proposes the new concept of "democratic unification" at the National Unification Conference, urging the two sides to resume negotiations and sign a peace agreement based upon the political reality that the two sides belong to separate jurisdictions. |
21. | Oct. 18, 1998 | KEDO. While meeting PRC Vice Premier-Qian Qi-chen, SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu proposes ending the zero-sam confrontation as the first step to end the cross-strait hostility Koo says that our side hopes to join the Korean Energy Development Organization and wishes to have no objection from the mainland side. |
22. | Nov. 19, 1999 | Switching marine police to troops at the Pratas and Spratly Islands. "Switching military deployment at the islands of Pratas and Spratly to marine police would not harm our sovereignty in the South China Sea, but can reduce military tensions in that region," said by MAC Vice Chairman Lin. "This action," added Vice Chairman Lin, "represents our political goodwill and meanwhile it can function better in those cases of fishing disputes." |
23. | Mar. 2, 2000 | Cancelling test firing of anti-ballistic missiles. Showing goodwill to Mainland China, the military decides to cancel test firing of anti-ballistic missiles produced locally. |
24. | May 15, 2000 | Withdrawing of troops on Dadan and Ehdan islets. Military forces deployed on Dadan and Ehdan islets will be withdrawn for showing goodwill to Mainland China; it will be replaced by both police and the Coast Guard. |
25. | June 2, 2000 | Reducing cross-strait tensions. In an administrative report to the Legislative Yuan, Premier Tang Fei says the government is willing to build on the basis of mutual respect to translate goodwill into action to reduce cross-strait tensions. The Government will actively promote cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, and begin a full-scale dialogue on all issues, including political ones. The Government will also conduct an overall review of the policy on the three direct links, establish a confidence-building mechanism with the hope that the two sides can meet goodwill with goodwill, seek eternal peace for the Taiwan Straits, and promote the well-being of the peoples on the two sides. |
26. | June 12, 2000 | Cancelling military exercise by joint-branch brigades. To avoid any misunderstanding between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits, the military decides to cancel the military exercises held by the joint-branch brigades in the Hankuang No. 16 exercise. The cancelled portion, aimed at gauging combat capability, was replaced by computer simulation. |
27. | Sep. 18, 2000 | Establishment of mutual trust mechanism between Taiwan and Mainland China. Premier Tang Fei points out that ROC is in the heavy process of establishment of mutual trust mechanism between ROC and Mainland China. Currently the National Defense University is gathering up experts & scholars' advises to build such mechanism. |
28. | Oct. 26, 2000 | Establishment of conflict-defuse mechanism. President Chen remarks while meeting President Mote, the President of Maryland University, that to avert possible conflicts, the government is trying hard to build conflict-defuse, preventive diplomacy and preventive defense measures. |
29. | Dec.31, 2000 | New political structure for the two sides. President Chen mentioned in his cross-century remarks that the two sides could start with economic and cultural integration and gradually develop trust between the two sides. Then the two sides can move to seek a new framework for permanent peace and political integration. |
30. | May 18, 2001 | President Chen: Willing to Attend APEC Shanghai Meeting. Base on the rights and obligations of the ROC as a full APEC member, I would like to take this opportunity to express my wish to attend the forum in person. Aside from trade and economic issues, I also wish to hold direct talks with President Jiang Zemin on other important issues of concern to the people on both sides, such as the establishment of the "Three Direct Links". |
31. | May 27, 2001 | President Chen Introduces a New Thinking for Cross-Strait Relations.
- Arms sales and Taiwan officials?transit in the United States will not provoke to Mainland China.
- The ROC will not misjudge or misestimate the cross-strait situation.
- Taiwan is a sovereign state, not a pawn of others.
- We will never give up improving cross-strait relations, but will strengthen dialogue.
- Co-existences and sharing prosperity are goals for both sides. It is believed that no war will erupt between the two sides, though there is competition with each other. Mainland China is believed to hope Taiwan will fare well.
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32. | May 9, 2002 | President Chen's three-point announcement at Tadan Islet.
While visiting the Kinmen area together with media representatives, President Chen Shui-bian says that the first step leading to the political integration of the two sides must begin with integration in economic, trade, and cultural areas. The government will not backtrack from this policy goal. For the purposes of reducing misunderstanding and facilitating reconciliation among political parties, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party will, beginning in August, work towards sending the chief of its Department of Chinese Affairs to visit the Mainland. The government will also actively study the liberalization of agricultural imports to Kinmen and Matsu areas by means of quantitative restriction.
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33. | Sep. 10, 2002 | Stability Across the Taiwan Strait Through Rational Dialogue. On the eve of the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US, President Chen Shui-bian urged the Mainland authorities to recognize the real significance of democracy and anti-terrorism, to openly renounce the use of force, to strive for stability across the Taiwan Strait through rational dialogue, and to work hard together for world peace.
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34. | Oct. 10, 2002 | Appeal to Remove Missiles and Openly Renounce the Use of Force Against Taiwan. In a National Day message, President Chen Shui-bian again urged the leaders of the Mainland to listen to the real voice of the 23 million Taiwanese people calling for peace and opposing the deployment of missiles. Otherwise, it will only continue to hurt the feelings of the people on both sides of the Strait, and drive cross-Strait relations further apart. Only by removing the missiles deployed along the coast of the Taiwan Strait, by openly renouncing the use of force, by rational discussions, by peaceful dialogue, will stability across the Taiwan Strait and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region be achieved.
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35. | Jan. 1, 2003 | Both Sides of the Strait Should Strive for Building a Framework of Interaction for Peace and Stability. In his New Year's Day Message, President Chen Shui-bian reiterated that both sides of the Strait should mutually promote constructive development in cross-Strait relations on the principle of "goodwill reconciliation, active cooperation, permanent peace." Given such premise of reconciliation, cooperation and peace, Taiwan will not stray from its original pledge to uphold the "Four NOs Plus One."
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36. | Feb. 6, 2003 | Wishing for the Tensions Across the Taiwan Strait Will Diminish, Dialogue and Peace Will Grow as Time Goes On. President Chen Shui-bian wrote His Holiness Pope John Paul II to respond to his call for peace in his Message for the 36th World Day of Peace. Chen expressed support for the humanitarian advocacy and called on the Mainland to abandon the use of force against Taiwan.
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37. | Feb. 20, 2003 | Hoping for Both Sides to Maintain Peace and Stability Across the Strait. At an annual Hsieh Nien Fan Banquet of the American Chamber of Commerce, President Chen Shui-bian reiterated and guaranteed that the Government will make every possible effort to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in the coming fifteen months. There is no intention to cause surprises. Taiwan does hope that the Mainland side will make the same effort.
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38. | Mar. 20, 2003 | Calling on the Mainland to Play Its Part in the Effort to Maintain Stability Across the Taiwan Strait and the Asia-Pacific Region. President Chen Shui-bian expressed the Government's position on the commencement of U.S.-led war against Iraq at the Chiayi Shuishang Air Base, and called on the US, Japan, and Korea, and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region to work together to maintain stability in the Asia-Pacific region and stabilize economic development in the region. At the same time, he also called on the People's Republic of China to play its part in the effort to maintain stability and peace across the Taiwan Strait together.
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39. | Aug. 16, 2003 | Urging the Mainland Leaders to Accept the Universal Values of Democracy and Peace. In an address at the International Seminar on Hong Kong's Development Under the Beijing-initiated "One Country, Two Systems" Formula, President Chen Shui-bian openly calls on the Mainland leaders to respect and protect the Hong Kong people's rights to make choices based on free will and to accept the universal values of democracy, peace, and human rights. |
40. | Aug. 20, 2003 | Cross-Strait Direct Transportation Links Should Be Implemented in a Sound, Orderly, and Realistic Manner under the Interaction Framework for Peace and Stability. Premier Yu Shyi-kun reiterates that the direct transport links involves the welfare and security of the 23 million Taiwanese people and should be realistically implemented in a sound and orderly manner under the guiding principle of "establishing a cross-Strait interaction framework for peace and stability." |
41. | Aug. 21, 2003 | Hoping to Resolve Cross-Strait Political Disputes Through Economic and Cultural Exchanges. Addressing the opening session of the 4th Summit of the Heads of States and Governments of the Republic of China, Central America, and the Dominican Republic, President Chen Shui-bian expresses his appeal for the cross-Strait political disputes to be resolved through increased economic and cultural exchanges and integration, and urges the Mainland to renounce the option of military force in resolving disputes and to work with Taiwan in creating peace, democracy and prosperity for the benefit of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. |
42. | Sep. 5, 2003
| Kinmen Is the Gateway to Peace in the Resumption of Cross-Strait Negotiations and Dialogue. During an inspection tour in Kinmen, President Chen Shui-bian expresses that in the future, Kinmen will serve as the "window of opportunity" and the "gateway to peace" in the resumption of cross-Strait negotiations, dialogue, and in the creation of a peaceful and stable framework for cross-Strait relations. |
43. | Sep. 16, 2003
| Hoping Beneficial Interaction in Cross-Strait Relations to Maintain Stability and Peace Across the Strait. In his address at the "2003 Military education and Training Review Meeting," President Chen Shui-bian emphasizes that the creation and enhancement of the peaceful situation across the Taiwan Strait is the common aspiration of the 23 million Taiwanese people. It has also been the major direction of his efforts since his inauguration. The objective of the goodwill and sincerity that he has shown in cross-Strait relations is the hope that cross-Strait relations would develop toward beneficial interaction and that stability and peace across the Taiwan Strait could be maintained. |
44. | Oct. 10, 2003
| Urging the Mainland to Abandon 'One China' Principle and Open the Gateway to Cooperation and Peace. President Chen Shui-bian reiterates during his address at the 2003 National Day Rally that there will always exist a "door to cooperation" and a "door to peace" between both sides of the Strait. In order to open the "door to cooperation" the Mainland should abandon the political frameworks of "one China" and "one country, two systems." In order to open the "door to peace" the Mainland should renounce the use of force against the Taiwanese people and the isolation in the international arena. |
45. | Nov. 20, 2003
| Cross-Strait Door to Peace Should Be Jointly Opened up by Both Sides of the Strait. In an address at the Fourth Industrial Elite Award Presentation Ceremony, President Chen Shui-bian reiterates that the door to cross-Strait peace must be jointly opened up by both sides of the Strait, and that the dignity and welfare of the Taiwan people shall never be sacrificed in pursuit of further cross-Strait exchanges. |
46. | Nov. 20, 2003
| Both Sides of the Strait Should Engage in Peaceful Dialogue to Resolve Problems. In a speech at the 2003 Conference of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, MAC Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen reiterates that cross-Strait relations affect regional security and peace and that it is not hoped that the Mainland would continue its military threat and create cross-Strait tensions. Military programs cannot effectively solve cross-Strait problems. There is only one choice in solving the cross-Strait issue, and that is through peaceful dialogue. |
47. | Dec. 5, 2003
| Real Public Opinion in Taiwan Is Democracy, Peace, and Not Missiles and War. During a special interview with the New York Times, President Chen Shui-bian reiterates that if the Beijing authorities and the Chinese leaders can make a goodwill response and agree to immediately withdraw the ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan, as well as declare right away that it will not use force against Taiwan, then we will halt the defensive referendum scheduled for March 20 next year. |
48. | Dec. 11, 2003
| Beijing Will Be Able to Pull the Taiwanese People Closer to the Mainland If It Is Willing to Abandon the Use of Force. In a special interview with CNN, President Chen Shui-bian points out that as long as the Chinese leaders are willing to make a goodwill response by immediately agreeing to the withdrawal of ballistic missiles and abandoning the use of force against Taiwan, we believe that we need not hold a public referendum on March 20 next year. We also believe that if the Beijing authorities and the Zhongnanhai leaders are willing to make such a goodwill response and a public declaration, it can absolutely draw the feelings of the Taiwanese people closer to the mainland. |
49. | Dec. 31, 2003
| Urging Beijing to Abandon the Use of Force and Withdraw Missiles. In his year-end address, President Chen Shui-bian urges Beijing leaders to publicly declare to abandon the use of force against Taiwan and to withdraw the deployed ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan. Otherwise, any other form of nostalgic expressions cannot draw the feelings of the Taiwanese people closer. |
50. | Jan. 1, 2004 | We Are Willing to Work Hand-in-hand with the Other Side of the Strait and Together Obtain the Award for Peace. In his New Year's Day message, President Chen Shui-bian points out that "our greatest aspiration remains to be able to work hand-in-hand with the people on the other side of the Strait and, together, obtain the perhaps intangible, but most precious award for peace." |
51. | Jan. 12, 2004 | There Is Only Reconciliation, Cooperation, and Peace in the Cross-Strait's Future. Speaking at a gathering for reporters covering the Presidential Office, President Chen Shui-bian states that he is confident that on March 20, especially after May 20, we will be able to open up another phase of positive interaction, hoping that the future of cross-Strait relations will be reconciliation, cooperation, and peace. |
52. | Jan. 27, 2004 | Reiteration of Position to Solve Cross-Strait Conflict Through Peaceful Means. In response to Pope John Paul II's message for the 37th World Day of Peace, President Chen Shui-bian writes the Pontiff pointing out that, "We look forward to the resumption of peace talks with Beijing on an equal footing. It is our hope that Beijing can accept with sincerity the democratic choice made by the people of Taiwan. We shall seek to dissolve differences and work together towards permanent peace across the strait." |
53. | Feb. 3, 2004 | Both Sides of the Strait to Sign Agreement for a "Peace and Stability" Framework for Cross-Strait Interaction. In a press conference for local and foreign reporters, President Chen Shui-bian mentions the key substance of the "peace and stability" framework for cross-Strait interaction, which includes the "One Principle and the Four Major Issue Areas." The "One Principle" is to establish the principle of peace; the "Four Major Issue Areas" include the creation of a negotiation mechanism, the conduct of exchanges based on equality and reciprocity, the establishment of a political relationship, and the prevention of military conflicts. |
54. | Feb. 6, 2004 | Efforts to Maintain Permanent Peace Across the Strait in the Next Four Years. In an exclusive interview with the LA Times, President Chen Shui-bian reiterates that in the four years after his reelection, he will devote himself to maintaining the status quo in Taiwan, which includes preserving the status quo of Taiwan's sovereignty, democracy, economic prosperity, and peace across the Taiwan Strait, preventing the status quo from being unilaterally changed, and providing an opportunity for both sides of the Strait to conduct reciprocal and mutually beneficial exchanges. |
55. | Feb. 13, 2004 | Creation of a Task Force for the Promotion of Cross-Strait Peace and Stability. In an exclusive interview with Japan's Kyodo News Agency, President Chen Shui-bian states that the preparations for the promotion and creation of a "peace and stability" framework for cross-Strait interaction have already started and a Promotion Task Force will be created under the Office of the President to take charge of related matters. It is expected that the nominees for the Task Force members will be announced right after March 20, and the special envoy to be stationed in the Mainland will be decided by May 20. |
56. | Feb. 20, 2004 | President Hopes to Shake Hands and Reconcile with the Mainland's Leader in a Third Country. In an exclusive interview with Japan's Asahi TV, President Chen Shui-bian points out that in the next four years, his greatest wish is to be able to shake hands and reconcile with the Mainland's leader in a third country or in a third area, which could be Japan. |
57. | Mar. 29, 2004 | President Does Not Hope to Engage in an Arms Race with the Mainland. In an exclusive interview with the Washington Post, President Chen Shui-bian points out that Taiwan will never launch an arms race with the Mainland, since it is our wish to avoid war and maintain permanent peace across the Taiwan Strait. One of our key missions and responsibilities in the next four years is to stabilize cross-Strait relations and to promote a "peace and stability" framework for cross-Strait interaction. |
58. | Mar. 31, 2004 | President Will Work Hard to Stabilize Cross-Strait Relations and Pursue Cross-Strait Peace. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, President Chen Shui-bian states that the key points in his future administration are to stabilize, enhance, and normalize cross-Strait relations. In the next four years, he will continue to exert efforts in stabilizing cross-Strait relations to achieve peace across the Taiwan Strait and stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region in the end. |
59. | Apr. 1, 2004 | Shaping of Peaceful Cross-Strait Relations. In an exclusive interview with the Asian Wall Street Journal, President Chen Shui-bian clearly expresses that the most important task during his second term would be to establish peace across the Taiwan Strait and stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region. |
60. | May 6, 2004 | Formulate Guidelines for Cross-Strait Peace and Development. Presiding over a session of the Cross-Strait Interchange Framework Team, President Chen Shui-bian states that the team will be transformed into a "Committee for Cross-Strait Peace and Development" in the future. If everything goes smoothly, the President will personally preside over the Committee and map out the "Guidelines for Cross-Strait Peace and Development" to serve as the criterion for the promotion of peaceful and stable cross-Strait relations. |
61. | May 20, 2004 | Both Sides of the Strait Should Jointly Create an Environment Engendered upon "Peaceful Development and Freedom of Choice". In his inaugural address as the 11th-Term President of the Republic of China, President Chen Shui-bian mentions that if both sides are willing, on the basis of goodwill, to create an environment engendered upon "peaceful development and freedom of choice," then in the future, the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China--or Taiwan and China--can seek to establish relations in any form whatsoever. |
62. | May 21, 2004 | "Peaceful Development" to Serve as Principal Axis in the Promotion of Cross-Strait Relations. At a press interview after attending a breakfast meeting of the Taiwan Solidarity Union , MAC Chairperson Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that the main direction of the MAC in the future would be to show that it intends to pursue peace, to promote the normalization of exchanges and negotiations, and at the same time to consolidate the consensus of the nation, and to hope that both the ruling and opposition parties would participate in the efforts of the Committee for Cross-Strait Peace and Development. The Government would make "peaceful development" the principal axis of its promotion of cross-Strait relations in the future. At the same time, through cross-Strait negotiations, both sides could practically understand that each side should have a peaceful environment for it to freely develop the needs of its economy. |
63. | May 29, 2004 | Continue to Pursue Cross-Strait Peace and Stability. Executive Yuan Premier Yu Shyi-kun leads his Cabinet members to Ilan and states in a forum attended by the new Cabinet members that cross-Strait exchanges are conducted in a gradual manner, and that the Government has kept on transmitting goodwill intentions hoping to pursue cross-Strait peace, stability, dignity and parity. |
64. | July 2, 2004 | Both Sides of the Strait Can First Establish Framework for Peace and Stability. In a special article entitled, "Taiwan Offers a way to Peace," for the latest edition of the Far Eastern Economic Review, MAC Chairperson Jaushieh Joseph Wu urges that before both sides could find a final solution to their political conflict, they can first establish a framework for peace and stability, to eliminate any tension. |
65. | July 28, 2004 | Both Sides of the Strait Can Adopt European Union's Peaceful Integration Principles. On receiving Alain Madelin, a French deputy in the French National Assembly, President Chen Shui-bian states that the European Union's successful integration is based on several major principles: out of their own free will, reciprocity, peaceful and non-violent means, and starting from trade and economic integration. These procedures and principles, which can especially serve as a reference for Taiwan in handling cross-Strait affairs, are worth emulating and reflecting upon. |
66. | July 29, 2004 | Both Sides of the Strait Should Join Hands and Cooperate in New View of Development. While delivering an address at the naval base in Tsoying, President Chen Shui-bian emphasizes that the promotion of cross-Strait "peace and development" requires that both sides of the Strait should join hands in cooperation and jointly establish a more humane society through a new view of development, to put an end to unstable elements in society and further avert the unstable elements on both sides of the Strait. |
67. | Aug. 31, 2004 | Cancellation of Han Kuang Exercises As a Show of Sincerity. President Chen Shui-bian expresses that the Government has decided to cancel the Han Kuang #20 exercises, to show Taiwan's absolute sincerity. It is hoped that both sides of the Strait could proceed towards a cooperative development and a joint establishment of a win-win situation under the peace principle. |
68. | Aug. 31, 2004 | Plans for Future Cross-Strait Peace and Development Program. MAC Chairperson Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that the Government will formally create a Committee for Cross-Strait Peace and Development in spring next year, to formulate the Guidelines for Cross-Strait Peace and Development, and to plan the future cross-Strait peace and development program. |
69. | Oct. 3, 2004 | Keeping the Promises and Jointly Creating an Environment Conducive to Future Development. Addressing the 2004 Mid-Autumn Festival gathering of Taiwanese businessmen in the Mainland, President Chen Shui-bian and Vice President Annette Lu state that we will still keep our promises and continue to build a Peace and Stability Framework for Cross-strait Interactions to create a win-win situation for both sides of the Strait. As long as we treat the similarities and differences in cross-strait development with a positive attitude, move further toward give-and-take and reciprocal relations, and jointly create an environment engendered upon "peaceful development and freedom of choice," then every any form of cross-strait relations between Taiwan and China is possible in the future, as long as there is the consent of the Taiwanese people. |
70. | Oct. 10, 2004 | Both Sides of the Strait Shall Jointly Establish a Code of Conduct Across the Taiwan Strait to Guarantee Peace. In his National Day address, President Chen Shui-bian points out that "both sides should formally end the state of hostility across the Taiwan Strait and establish confidence-building measures through consultations and dialogues. Furthermore, we should review the armament policies of both sides and seek to establish a Code of Conduct across the Taiwan Strait as the tangible guarantee of permanent peace in the Taiwan Strait." |
71. | Oct. 17, 2004 | Pursuing a Conciliatory and Open Policy Toward China. Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu points out in his article specially written for the bi-monthly New Zealand International Review magazine, that "peace" and "development" should be the paramount objectives in cross-strait relations. Both sides of the Taiwan Strait can create a cooperative model by following four stages. In the first stage, already underway, Taiwan is pursuing a conciliatory and open policy toward China, broadening the scope of its cultural and economic exchange policies. |
72. | Nov. 3, 2004 | Creating an Atmosphere of Goodwill and Reconciliation for the Pursuit of Peaceful and Stable Cross-strait Development. Upon the invitation of the General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu gives a special lecture saying that we do not intend to provoke China. What we should think about is how we can live in peace with China. An atmosphere of goodwill and reconciliation has always been practices in Taiwan for the pursuit of peaceful and stable cross-strait development. Taiwan's cross-strait policy after May 20, 2004 has been goodwill, active cooperation, and permanent peace. |
73. | Nov. 10, 2004 | Putting Together a Set of "Guidelines for Cross-strait Peace and Development". Presiding over a high-level national security meeting, President Chen Shui-bian states that after the legislative election at the end of 2004, his administration will make every effort with the utmost sincerity, to invite opposition parties and representatives from various sectors of the society to participate in the establishment of a "Committee for Cross-strait Peace and Development" With the hope to galvanize consensus among all political parties and people to jointly put together an enduring set of "Guidelines for Cross-strait Peace and Development," and actively foster a new cross-strait relationship of peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development. |
74. | Nov. 25, 2004 | Peace and Development on the Basis of Cross-strait Reciprocality. In a special interview with the "Voice of Germany," Premier Yu Shyi-kun states that the Republic of China is a sovereign and independent country that is not under the jurisdiction of China. We have extended much goodwill to China, hoping that negotiations will be conducted on the basis of reciprocality, and that exchanges will be made on the basis of "peace and development" and of "freedom of choice." It is hoped that a mutually acceptable form of cross-strait relations will be established after consultations under a positive atmosphere. We also do not excluded any possibilities, as long as there is the consensus of the 23 million Taiwanese people. |
75. | Dec. 27, 2004 | Both Sides of the Strait Should Jointly Establish Confidence-Building Measures to Safeguard Peace in the Taiwan Strait. With regard to China's release of its 2004 White Paper on National Defense, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Chen Chi-mai urges both sides of the Strait to jointly establish confidence-building measures to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. |
76. | Jan. 1, 2005 | Peace and Stability Framework for Cross-Strait Interactions will be Actively Promoted. In his New Year's Day address, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that he will continue to adhere to the principle of "firm positioning and pragmatic progress" in dealing with cross-strait issues. Even in the face of the unilateral and aggressive actions by the CCP, he will "take hold of the intent, and not act on impulse." In addition, he will proceed in a manner that is "deliberate and not backward, steadfast and not hasty," to form a "Committee for Cross-Strait Peace and Development" and forge an internal consensus in Taiwan. He will actively promote and establish a peace and stability framework for cross-strait interactions. |
77. | Jan. 2, 2005 | Both Sides of the Strait Should Establish a Consensus Based on "Love and Peace". While attending the "Love and Peace Music Concert and Prayer Rally," President Chen Shui-bian hopes that both sides adhere to an attitude of mutual respect, logic, tolerance, and cooperation to jointly welcome a peaceful future across the Taiwan Strait based on the highest consensus on "love and peace." |
78. | Feb. 16, 2005 | Both Sides of the Strait will Resume Negotiations Based on the Foundation of the "1992 Hong Kong Meeting". While addressing the 2005 Lunar New Year gathering of the "Taiwanese businessmen's associations in China", MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu hopes that in the new year, both sides will fully resume negotiations and dialogue based on the foundation of the "1992 Hong Kong meeting," to establish a solid foundation for a Peace and Stability Framework for Cross-Strait Interactions. |
79. | Feb. 21, 2005 | Committee for Cross-Strait Peace and Stability will be Created. In an address at a Lunar New Year reception for the Ambassadors and Representatives in Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan will enhance its self-defense capabilities to preserve the peaceful status quo across the Taiwan Strait in the new year. This is to simultaneously prevent a unilateral change to the status quo and work toward the creation of a Committee for Cross-Strait Peace and Stability. Based on the consensus among the ruling and opposition parties in Taiwan, a Peace and Stability Framework for Cross-strait Interactions will be actively promoted. |
80. | Feb. 24, 2005 | "Four No's Plus One" Policy will be Pursued. President Chen Shui-bian and People First Party Chairman James Soong meet and release a ten-point conclusion. They indicate that these principles should be the present basis for cross-strait relations, namely, "adherence to the Constitution, maintenance of status quo, and cooperation in promoting peace." On the premise of cross-strait peace, President Chen commits to the following pledges that: during his term as President, he will not declare independence, will not change the national moniker, will not push forth the inclusion of the so-called "state-to-state" description in the Constitution, will not promote a referendum to change the status quo in regards to the issue of independence or unification. Furthermore, the abolition of neither the National Reunification Council nor the National Reunification Guidelines will be set forth as an issue. Chairman Soong has expressed his consent and support for the position stated above. |
81. | Mar. 1, 2005 | Conflicts across the Taiwan Strait must be Resolved Through Peaceful Dialogue. During a videoconference with members of the European Parliament and the press, President Chen Shui-bian indicated that the two sides of the Strait are now able to seize the opportunity of a "spring blossom," to reach out to each other for reconciliation and actualize positive interactions as a step towards normalization of our mutual relations. This epitomizes a goal that his government strives to achieve, that is: Creating a new and stable environment for consultation and dialogue across the Strait. Conflicts across the Taiwan Strait must be resolved through peace and dialogue. |
82. | Mar. 30, 2005 | Both Sides of the Strait Should Resolve Conflicts by Peaceful Means. While receiving visiting Burkina Faso Speaker Rock Marc Christian Kabore, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that any conflict must be resolved through rational dialogue and peaceful means. We firmly oppose against resolving differences through the use of force. Competition across the Taiwan Strait is in nature a competition between democracy and non-democracy and between peace and non-peace. The international community will stand by the side of democracy and peace in the end. |
83. | Apr. 5, 2005 | Resolving Cross-Strait Disputes Peacefully Through Dialogue. In a meeting with invited officials from the Office of the President, Executive Yuan, and Democratic Progressive Party, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that cross-strait disputes must be resolved peacefully through dialogue. The Taiwanese people's free will and freedom of choice must be respected. Taiwan firmly opposes China's enactment of the anti-separation law (the so-called anti-secession law) and its attempt to resolve cross-strait conflicts through "undemocratic" and "non-peaceful" means. |
84. | Apr. 26, 2005 | "Democracy" and "Peace" are the Highest Guiding Principles of the Government's Cross-Strait Policy. While receiving officers of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that the highest guiding principles of the government's cross-strait policy are "democracy" and "peace." "Democracy" means that Taiwan's national sovereignty belongs to the 23 million Taiwanese people, and that only they have the right to decide on any changes in Taiwan's future. "Peace" emphasizes that the disputes and conflicts across the Straits can only be resolved peacefully through dialogue. |
85. | Apr. 27, 2005 | Resolving Cross-Strait Disputes Through Peaceful and Consultative Means. While receiving Ambassador Grey-Johnson of Gambia, Ambassador Ali Adoum of Chad, Ambassador Skinner-Klee of Guatemala, and Ambassador Merores of Haiti, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that disputes in the Taiwan Strait must be settled through peaceful and consultative means. |
86. | May 1, 2005 | "Balanced Development of Cross-Strait Democratic Relations" Will be Preserved. Before embarking on his "Ocean Partners Sunshine Trip" to the South Pacific, President Chen Shui-bian expresses a firm belief that maintaining a "balanced development of cross-strait democratic relationship" is the only way for both sides of the Straits to narrow down cross-strait differences. The creation of a "Peace and Stability Framework for Cross-Strait Interactions" is the surest way to guarantee permanent peace across the Taiwan Strait. |
87. | May 21, 2005 | Cross-Strait Differences Shall be Resolved Peacefully Through Dialogue. While receiving Mr. Bastiaan Belder, member of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, President Chen Shui-bian emphasizes that cross-strait differences should be resolved peacefully through dialogue, and not by force or other non-peaceful means. |
88. | June 7, 2005 | Peaceful Cross-Strait Exchanges will be Promoted. While receiving Chief Representative Mr. Tadashi Ikeda of the Interchange Association, Taipei Office, Premier Frank Hsieh indicates that cross-strait issues must be addressed under the principles of peace and parity. Peaceful cross-strait exchanges must be promoted under the conditions that Taiwan's status quo, sovereignty and independence must be preserved. |
89. | July 26, 2005 | Active pursue of a balance of power in cross-strait peace. In a videoconference with the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that despite China's military intimidation and missile threats, the Taiwanese government will continue to actively seek to establish a new balance of power that supports Taiwan's democracy and cross-strait peace. |
90. | July 27, 2005 | Facilitating China's Democratization. During an inspection of military exercises simulating anti-special forces attack and anti-airborne attack, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that the world's "democratic groups" can join forces to aid China in carrying out democratic reform. This is necessary if both sides of the Taiwan Strait are to enjoy peaceful dialogue and interaction. Permanent cross-strait peace and stability is to become more than just the hope of Taiwan alone. |
91. | Oct. 6, 2005 | Calling for Full-Scale Reconciliation and Peace Across the Taiwan Strait. At the opening ceremony of the "Shih Ming-teh Lecture" hosted by the Political Science Department of The National Taiwan University, President Chen Shui-bian notes that due to the increasingly tense cross-strait situation, the two sides must actively move forward to full reconciliation and dialogue, jointly maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, and not make unilateral changes. President Chen also states that peaceful dialogue is the only way to resolve disputes across the Taiwan Strait. |
92. | Oct. 7, 2005 | Establishing a Mechanism to Promote Cross-Strait Peace. In a press release, MAC states that the establishment of peaceful and stable cross-strait relations requires not only the subjective intentions and actions of Taiwan, but also the cooperation of Beijing. It also states that the three major principles of consensus, public opinion, and constitution must be followed when establishing a set of proper mechanisms to consolidate consensus between the ruling and opposition political parties and promoting cross-strait peace and development. |
93. | Nov. 21, 2005 | Upholding Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait is an Important Policy Task of the Government. In a hearing with the Home and Nations Committee of the Legislative Yuan, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu notes that "cross-strait relations are in a period of structural transformation" due to the rise of China and the growing military imbalance in the Taiwan Strait. An important policy task for Taiwan at this time is to find ways to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and play a more active role in regional cooperation and development. |
94. | Dec. 14, 2005 | Adhering to the Principles of "Sovereignty, Democracy, Peace and Equality". In a meeting with members of a delegation from the Atlantic Council of the United States, President Chen says Taiwan must adhere to the four principles of "sovereignty, democracy, peace and equality." The principle of sovereignty refers to the hope that China can recognize and respect the fact that the ROC exists on Taiwan. The principle of democracy refers to the hope that China respects the free will of the 23 million Taiwanese people in the course of cross-strait developments or changes in Taiwan's future. The principle of peace means that the difference in views between the two sides must be peacefully resolved through dialogue, not by force or other non-peaceful means. The principle of equality means that cross-strait issues and difference in views must be resolved through negotiations and discussions between the two governments. |
95. | Jan. 1, 2006 | Four Major Principles in Developing Cross-Strait Relations. President Chen Shui-bian states in his New Year's message that regardless of any future cross-strait developments, Taiwan will adhere to the four principles of "sovereignty, democracy, peace, and parity." |
96. | Jan. 6, 2006 | Pursue Permanent Peace in Cross-Strait Relations. In a letter to Pope Benedict XVI, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan will continue to firmly stand by the position of pursuing "goodwill reconciliation, active cooperation, and permanent peace." |
97. | Feb. 21, 2006 | Treat Each Other in Spirit of Peace and Parity. In a policy report to the Legislative Yuan, Premier Su Tseng-chang states that, as long as China faces up to and respects the reality of the Republic of China's (Taiwan) independent sovereignty, and both sides adhere to the principles of peace and parity in their interaction with each other, he is confident that cross-strait exchanges, mutual benefit, coexistence, and co-prosperity will continue. |
98. | Mar. 12, 2006 | Look Forward to an Era of Cross-Strait Reconciliation and Coexistence. While attending a seminar on "The One Year Anniversary of the Anti-Separation Law's Passage: Looking Back and Ahead, " MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu expresses the hope that the Chinese authorities can make adjustments and reforms, eliminate obstacles to positive cross-strait interactions, and create a new era of cross-strait reconciliation and coexistence. |
99. | Mar. 16, 2006 | Taiwan's Pursue of Freedom and Democracy a Model for China. In a reception with a visiting delegation of Taiwanese expatriates from Japan, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwanese people's struggles in the past half-century for freedom and democracy can serve as a model for China as it pursues freedom and democracy in future. Only through becoming free and democratic can China be a peace-loving country that does not threaten its neighbors. This is the only way to ensure permanent peace in the Taiwan Strait. |
100. | Mar. 26, 2006 | Cross-Strait Interactions Base On Principles of Peace, Parity, and Mutual Benefit. At a media reception, Premier Su Tseng-chang states that cross-strait interactions should be based on the unwavering principles of peace, parity, and mutual benefit. |
101. | Apr. 21, 2006 | Taiwan Exerts its Utmost Effort to Preserve Peace and Stability across the Taiwan Strait. The MAC issues a press release stating that U.S. President George W. Bush's public statement that cross-strait disputes should be peacefully resolved is entirely consistent with the Taiwanese government's policy. The MAC expresses its affirmation and gratitude toward President Bush's gesture. Taiwan will continue to cooperate with the international community by exerting its utmost effort to preserve the status quo and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. |
102. | May 18, 2006 | Insisting on Peaceful Dialogues to Resolve Cross-Strait Disputes. President Chen Shui-bian presides over the National Security Council meeting and after hearing the 2006 National Security Report states that he insists that cross-strait disputes must be resolved through peaceful dialogues. Under the four major principles of sovereignty, democracy, peace and parity, Taiwan is willing to conduct dialogues and negotiations with China and to actively seek to establish a Peace and Stability Framework for Cross-Strait Interactions. Taiwan also hopes to join with other democracies of the world to promote democratization in China and achieve permanent peace and prosperity in the region. |
103. | May 26, 2006 | Replacing Military Confrontation with Peaceful Negotiations. In a meeting with French MP Patrick Balkany and other dignitaries from France, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that cross-strait disputes should be resolved by peaceful means without resorting to force and threats. The international community should also convey this message to China so that peaceful negotiations can replace military confrontation. |
104. | June 8, 2006 | Maintaining the Status Quo of Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait. In a meeting with Chairman Raymond F. Burghardt of the Board of the American Institute in Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian states that his responsibility as leader of the Taiwanese government is to maintain the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and to prevent any sabotage and change from occurring. So long as China has no intention to use force against Taiwan, there will of course be no changes to his "four noes" pledge. He also reiterates that since social conditions are not yet ripe, especially under the current political climate, the government would not take up serious issues such as changes to the sovereignty, territory or national name of Taiwan. |
105. | Aug. 23, 2006 | Safeguarding the status quo of freedom, democracy, prosperity and peace in Taiwan from unilateral change. Presiding at the celebration of the "48th Anniversary of the Victory in 823 Cannon War" in Kinmen, President Chen Shui-bian states that the 23 million Taiwanese people fervently love peace. Taiwan does not want to be the enemy of the Chinese people, and it hopes lasting peace can be maintained in the Taiwan Strait. In order to safeguard the status quo of freedom, democracy, prosperity and peace in Taiwan from unilateral change, it is necessary to build a nationwide consensus on national security and to build an effective and ample defense capability to deter and prevent the occurrence of any military conflict. |
106. | Aug. 23, 2006 | Both sides should learn from the EU spirit of "sovereignty, democracy, peace and equality". In a meeting with a delegation composed of parliamentarians of Germany's Social Democratic Party, President Chen Shui-bian states that the success of the European Union (EU) is based largely on the four major principles of "sovereignty, democracy, peace and equality." The EU is composed of independent sovereign countries that all fully respect the freewill choice of the people and do not resort to force or violence. This is consistent with the principles of democracy and peace. Furthermore, all of the member states are equal. Therefore, with regard to the future development of cross-strait relations, both sides across the Strait, regardless of the form of their political relations, should learn from the spirit of EU integration by not departing from these four principles. |
107. | Sep. 4, 2006 | Hoping the international community can emphasize to China that cross-strait disputes cannot be resolved by non-peaceful means. In a meeting with British parliamentarian Sir Nicholas Winterton, MAC Chairperson Jaushieh Joseph Wu hopes the international community will continue to emphasize to China that cross-strait disputes should not be resolved by non-peaceful means. He also expects that the international community can urge the Chinese authorities to resume peaceful dialogue with the Taiwanese government. |
108. | Sep. 10, 2006 | Holding cross-strait negotiations to realize the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists at the soonest time possible. In a meeting with Tseng Yung-chuan, executive director of the Chinese Nationalist Party's (KMT) Central Policy Committee and whip of the KMT's legislative caucus and others, MAC Chairperson Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that at present the Taiwanese government is positively liaising and communicating with China through various channels. It is hoped that negotiations with China on related issues will be resumed soon, so as to realize the objective of opening up tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists at the soonest time possible. |
109. | Sep. 13, 2006 | Resolving cross-strait differences by peaceful means and equal dialogue. In a teleconference aimed to promote Taiwan's UN entry, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan is willing to resolve cross-strait differences by peaceful means and equal dialogue. The future evolution of cross-strait relations must conform to the four principles of sovereignty, democracy, peace, and parity. This is the unwavering demand of the majority of Taiwanese people. The United Nations and its related agencies can serve as a platform for positive interaction, communication and cooperation between Taiwan and China. |
110. | Sep. 13, 2006 | Maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the government's consistent position. The MAC issues a press release indicating that it has been the government's consistent position to insist on Taiwan's identity, ensure the fundamental right of the 23 million Taiwanese people to take part in the international community, and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This is also the core spirit behind Taiwan's bid to join the UN. |
111. | Oct. 10, 2006 | Building stable cross-strait interactions based on freedom, democracy, human rights and peace. In his "2006 National Day Address," President Chen Shui-bian states that constructing a meaningful, substantive relationship will be possible only if China's leaders adopt the universal values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and peace to create a language shared by both sides of the Strait and, based on this language, cooperate in establishing peaceful and stable interactions. |
112. | Oct. 30, 2006 | Making the utmost efforts to maintain the peaceful status quo in the Taiwan Strait. During the "Dialogue with Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian" videoconference symposium held by the Institute for Taiwan Studies at Waseda University in Japan, President Chen states that over the past half century Taiwan has been under the shadow of China's military threat. There are no other people who hope for peace more than the Taiwanese people. Taiwan will keep its promise to actively strengthen its self-defense capability and make the utmost efforts to maintain the peaceful status quo in the Taiwan Strait. However, Taiwan hopes that the international community can face up to the nature of the Taiwan Strait issue and join Taiwan in striving for a more democratic and peaceful world. |
113. | Nov. 2, 2006 | Deepening significant exchanges to promote peace and mutual trust in cross-strait relations. At the award ceremony held for the 6th Award for Outstanding Groups Promoting Cross-Strait Professional Exchanges, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu expresses his hope that the two governments across the Strait can pool their efforts and deepen significant exchanges to promote goodwill interaction, peace and mutual trust in cross-strait relations. |
114. | Dec. 7, 2006 | Resolving cross-strait differences through peaceful means. In a meeting with European Parliament Member Bastiaan Belder, who is also the rapporteur of the "Report on EU-China Relations", President Chen Shui-bian indicates that the differences between both sides across the Strait, especially the political ones, should be peacefully resolved through government-to-government dialogue rather than resorting to military or other non-peaceful means. |
115. | Jan. 5, 2007 | Adhering to the Principles of "Goodwill, Active Cooperation, and Permanent Peace" as a Guiding Force Has Remained Unchanged. Over the past year, Taiwan has faced a complex international situation and domestic political and economic climate. Yet the Taiwanese government has steadfastly adhered to the principles of "goodwill, active cooperation, and permanent peace" as a guiding force in handling cross-strait policies. It has also continued to actively seek cross-strait dialogue and negotiations under the principles of "sovereignty, parity, democracy and peace." |
116. | Jan. 9, 2007 | President Chen Appeals to Pope to Urge China to Give Peace a Chance in the Taiwan Strait. In a letter responding to Pope Benedict XVI's message for the 40th World Day of Peace, President Chen Shui-bian expresses his fervent desire that leaders of all nations will be inspired and encouraged by the Pope's message, and grasp fully the importance contained within the message. He also appeals to the Pope to maintain his concerns for human rights and religious freedom in China, to urge China to dismantle the missiles it has aimed at Taiwan, and to renounce the use of force, thus giving peace and stability in Taiwan, and the Asia-Pacific region, a chance. He expresses hope that the tree of peace that the Pope has planted may grow strong and sturdy on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. |
117. | Feb. 6, 2007 | Maintaining Permanent Peace in the Taiwan Strait is the Responsibility of the Taiwanese Government. In a meeting with a visiting delegation from Britain's Royal United Services Institute for Defense Studies (RUSI), President Chen Shui-bian states that maintaining permanent peace in the Taiwan Strait is the only way to ensure Taiwan's hard-earned democratic achievements. Taiwan does not wish to see the peaceful status quo in the Taiwan Strait unilaterally destroyed or changed. |
118. | Mar. 2, 2007 | Peacefully Resolving Cross-strait Disputes and Differences through Dialogue. In an interview with Deutsche Presse Agentur (dpa) President Malte von Trotha and Beijing Bureau Chief Andreas Landwehr, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that cross-strait disputes and differences must be resolved peacefully through dialogue, and not by resorting to force or other non-peaceful means. |
119. | Mar. 6, 2007 | Pursuing Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait is the Highest Objective of Cross-Strait Policy. During a media interview at the Legislative Yuan, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the pursuit of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait has always been the highest objective of the Taiwanese government's cross-strait policy. In the future, the government will continue to promote cross-strait exchanges according to the established steps and prioritize negotiations on the issues of tourism and charter flights. |
120. | Mar. 13, 2007 | Calling for Joint Management of Peace and Security in the Taiwan Strait by Taiwan, the U.S. and China. In a meeting with John Hamre, president and chief executive officer of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), President Chen Shui-bian calls for joint management of peace, security and stability in the Taiwan Strait by Taiwan, the United States and China to ensure that the overall prosperity and progress of the Asia-Pacific region is not threatened or undermined. |
121. | Mar. 16, 2007 | Pursuing Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait is the Highest Objective of the Government's Cross-Strait Policy. The MAC issues a press release indicating that the Chinese leadership refuses to face the historical reality and democratic values. The MAC solemnly emphasizes that the highest objective of the Taiwanese government's cross-strait policy has always been to pursue peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. In the future, the government will continue to formulate various plans and measures to promote cross-strait exchanges through established steps. |
122. | Mar. 28, 2007 | Pursuing Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait is the Highest Objective. The MAC issues a press release emphasizing that the highest objective of the Taiwanese government's cross-strait policy has always been to pursue peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Under the premise of weighing the needs of Taiwan's development, overall national interests, and the stability of cross-strait relations, Taiwan will continue to promote cross-strait exchanges through established steps. The Taiwanese government will take a positive attitude toward such exchanges so long as they accord with laws and regulations and are truly conducive to the overall interests of Taiwan. |
123. | Apr. 30, 2007 | The Right Path to the Peaceful Development of Cross-Strait Relations. At a symposium on "Ushering in a New Era of Peace, Moving Toward Peace," MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong indicates that if the Beijing authorities can face up to the existence of the Republic of China and open dialogue with Taiwan on maintaining long-term stability in the Taiwan Strait, cross-strait relations could be normalized and both sides could move forward on the right path to peaceful development. |
124. | May 21, 2007 | Establishing an Interactive Framework for Cross-Strait Peace and Stability. Premier Chang Chun-hsiung says that Taiwan will make efforts to resolve disputes through peaceful cross-strait dialogue as this is in the shared interests of both sides. Taiwan is willing to resume negotiations with China on any issue and establish an interactive framework for cross-strait peace and stability, so long as China does not set any political preconditions and conducts interactions based on mutual respect. |
125. | May 25, 2007 | Not Engaging in an Arms Race with China and Ensuring a Truly Lasting Peace. During a medal presentation ceremony for high-ranking military officers, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan will never engage in a so-called arms race with China and that it is unwilling to become an enemy of the Chinese people. However, Taiwan must constantly upgrade its defensive ability and prepare for war if it is to prevent war and ensure a truly lasting peace. |
126. | June 20, 2007 | The Gradual Promotion of the Establishment of Peaceful and Stable Interactive Relations across the Taiwan Strait. At the hosted for the 2007 Dragon Boat Festival gathering of the Taiwan businessmen's associations, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung indicates that the sequential and gradual promotion of the establishment of peaceful and stable interactive relations across the Taiwan Strait would contribute to regional peace, stability and prosperity. |
127. | July 11, 2007 | Actively Guiding China Towards Democracy and Freedom. In his remarks at the Reception by the European Parliament in Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Lifting of Martial Law in Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan is willing to actively guide China down the path to democracy and freedom. Only by doing so can we create a more democratic and peaceful world for all mankind. |
128. | Aug. 13, 2007 | Hoping that Taiwan's Experiences in Promoting Democratization can Influence China. Attending the International Conference On After the Third Wave held by Taiwan Thinktank, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung expresses hope that Taiwan's experiences in promoting democratization can influence China, help China to free itself from the shackles of despotism and gradually complete democratic reforms. This would also pave an important foundation for maintaining peaceful cross-strait interactions. |
129. | Aug. 14, 2007 | The "Rise of China" Must be Accompanied by "Peaceful Awakening." In a speech at the opening ceremony of the Democratic Pacific Union, President Chen Shui-bian states that if China is to become a positive force in the community of Pacific democracies in the course of its development, the "rise of China" must be accompanied by "peaceful awakening" and "democratic development." |
130. | Sep. 23, 2007 | Peacefully Resolving Cross-Strait Disputes through Dialogue. In an interview with editor-in-chief Gerhard Sp顤l and Beijing correspondent Andreas Lorenz of the international edition of German Weekly Der Spiegel, President Chen Shui-bian states that cross-strait differences and disputes must be resolved peacefully through dialogue without resorting to military or non-peaceful means. |
131. | Oct. 16, 2007 | Urging China to remove obstacles to cross-strait peace. During an interview in Keelung, President Chen Shui-bian states that if China is sincere about promoting a cross-strait peace accord, it must first do three things: First, it must give up the framework of the "one China principle"; second, it must abolish the "anti-separation law," which provides a legal basis for a military attack against Taiwan; and third, it must immediately remove all of the 988 tactical missiles deployed against Taiwan on its southeast coast. China must first do these three things before there is any chance of signing a cross-strait peace accord in the future. |
132. | Oct. 19, 2007 | Opposing peace under pressure and threats. In an interview with Keith Bradsher, the Hong Kong bureau chief of the New York Times, and Philip McClellan, vice editor-in-chief of the Asian edition of the International Herald Tribune, President Chen Shui-bian emphasizes that, Taiwan welcomes the idea of signing a peace accord with China. However, Taiwan opposes any preconditions or framework being set and any conclusions being reached prior to discussing an agreement. Taiwan is even more opposed to China use of force and its use of missiles as an intimidation tactic to coerce Taiwan, under China pressure of these kinds and through non-peaceful means/violence, into signing a peace accord. |
133. | Nov. 2, 2007 | Building peaceful and stable cross-strait relations based on the "spirit of 1992." During a question-and-answer session at the Legislative Yuan, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung indicates that the spirit of 1992 is that both sides of the Taiwan Strait should set aside their disputes, establish peaceful and stable relations based on the position of equal sovereignty, and coordinate with each other on the basis of parity. |
134. | Nov. 2, 2007 | Both sides should hold pragmatic dialogue to establish peaceful cross-strait relations. MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates at a press conference that in the future, in accordance with the national interests and the people's wishes, the Taiwanese government will continue to positively and pragmatically push the Chinese authorities to resume mutual dialogue and negotiations with the Taiwanese government on the issues that are concern to both sides respectively and establish a peaceful and stable framework for cross-strait interactions, so that the development of cross-strait relations will move towards normalization. |
135. | Dec. 17, 2007 | Peaceful development of cross-strait relations will become possible only when Beijing sincerely carries out political reforms. MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu solemnly states at a press conference that only when the Beijing authorities sincerely and promptly carry out internal political reforms, democratization, and liberalization, will it be possible to promote the peaceful development and normalization of cross-strait relations. |
136. | Jan. 1, 2008 | Appealing to the Beijing authorities to jointly promote cross-strait peace and development. Responding to President Chen Shui-bian's New Year's Day Address, the MAC addresses the following appeals to the Beijing authorities:
- We appeal to China to join with Taiwan in promoting cross-strait peace and
development, and to join hands with Taiwan in normalizing cross-strait relations.
- We appeal to the Beijing authorities to remove the political obstacle
created by the "one China framework" so as to begin peaceful cross-strait dialogue and promote cross-strait development.
- We appeal to the Beijing authorities to immediately stop military
intimidation against Taiwan and stop provocative actions that seek to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
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137. | Jan. 2, 2008 | Peacefully resolving cross-strait disputes and differences. In an interview with Sebastien Le Belzic, special correspondent in Beijing for the international news station France 24, President Chen Shui-bian states that any disputes and differences across the Taiwan Strait must be resolved through peaceful means without resorting to force or other non-peaceful means. |
138. | Jan. 8, 2008 | Jointly promoting cross-strait peace and development. At a year-end press conference, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that Taiwan appeals to China to join with Taiwan in promoting cross-strait peace and development, and to join hands with Taiwan in normalizing cross-strait relations. The establishment of a peaceful and stable framework for cross-strait interactions as proposed by President Chen in 2004 and the "construction of a framework for peaceful development of cross-strait relations" and the "conclusion of a peace agreement" as advocated by Chinese President Hu Jintao in his political report to the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China are conducive to constructive dialogue on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan wholeheartedly welcomes this new development. |
139. | Feb. 22, 2008 | Vigorously promoting democratic reform in China. In a meeting with foreign guests attending the "International Forum: Human Rights in China and 2008 Olympics," President Chen Shui-bian indicates that Taiwan's experience in the development of democracy is without a doubt the best hope and model for the people of China. Moreover, the government and people of Taiwan are willing to do their utmost to foster China's democratization. |
003 DIALOGUE and EXCHANGES (235 Items) |
140. | Apr. 19,1997 | Off-shore Trans-shipment Center. The Off-shore Trans-shipment Center begins operation, which allows ships with flag of Convenience (FOC) sailing between Kaohsiung harbor and the harbors of Xiamen and Fuzhou, for cargo trans-shipment to foreign countries. |
141. | Feb. 20, 1998 | Military Transparency. Premier Vincent Siew proposes exchanges of information on military exercises with the mainland to establish military confidence-building mechanism, the proposal of which is to avoid misjudgment which may lead to war and to promote military transparency. |
142. | May 12, 1998 | Inviting ARATS Official to Visit Taiwan: In a letter to ARATS, SEF invited the ARATS deputy secretary-general to visit Taiwan to exchange views and promote SEF-ARATS exchanges of visits. |
143. | Oct. 14, 1998 | Koo-Wang Talks Held. After continued endeavors on our side and three rounds of meetings between deputy secretary-generals and vice chairmen of SEF and ARATS, Koo led a delegation to visit the Mainland for the first Koo-Wang meeting on Oct. 14, 1998, with the authorization of MAC. After a three-year suspension of SEF-ARATS meetings, the event was significant both symbolically and substantively. In substance, the two sides reach certain agreements, such as enhancing dialogue and resuming negotiations. Also, ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan will visit Taiwan at a proper time at Koo's invitation. The meeting reopened SEF-ARATS communications, contributes to a constructive dialogue, and produces the expected results. |
144. | Feb. 26, 1999 | Inviting ARATS Official to Visit Taiwan. SEF sends a letter to ARATS to invite its deputy secretary-general to visit Taiwan to discuss the details of Wang's visit. |
145. | Apr. 2, 1999 | SEF Representative Visits Beijing. In a letter to ARATS, SEF says it would send Deputy Secretary-general Jan Jyh-horng to Beijing in late April to discuss Wang's visit to Taiwan with ARATS so as to continue the constructive dialogue and to promote friendly cross-strait relations. |
146. | Apr. 8, 1999 | President Lee's Four-point Proposal of Goodwill. At the National Unification Council meeting, President Lee says that the two sides should first adopt a shared vision -- with a focus on democracy and peace, the two sides should normalize cross-strait relations through constructive dialogue to protect the long-term welfare of people on the two sides. He proposed four points:
- Welcoming Wang's Visit. We welcome ARATS Chairman Wang to visit Taiwan to continue the constructive dialogue begun last year. This will give rise to the possibility of meetings between the leaders of the two sides.
- Resuming Systematic Negotiation. The two sides should promptly resume systematic negotiations to resolve issues arising from cross-strait exchanges and establish peaceful and stable mechanism to deal with such issues.
- Expanding Cross-Strait Exchange. The two sides should expand the agenda and scope for cross-strait exchanges, increase mutual trust, and pursue mutual benefits.
- Closing the Gap. The two sides should draw closer the gap of developments on the two sides to foster assimilation.
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147. | Oct. 15, 1999 | Chairman Koo expresses hope to re-visit Mainland China. In celebrating the first anniversary of Koo-Wang Shanghai Meeting, SEF Chairman Koo indicates his intention to revisit Mainland China if it would help break the freeze. He also indicates that SEF and ARATS are agencies authorized by the governments of the two sides across the Strait, and provide a good channel of communications that cannot be substituted. As such, this mechanism should not be jeopardized for different standpoints, added Chairman Koo. |
148. | Feb. 29, 2000 | Allowing Mainland stepchildren to settle in Taiwan. MAC adopts an annual quota of 24 for stepchildren, under 12 years old, of Taiwan people by their Mainland Chinese spouses in the previous marriage to settle in Taiwan. |
149. | May 20, 2000 | A new opportunity for conciliation. In his inaugural speech, President Chen Shui-bian says that with the end of Cold War, it is time for the two sides to cast aside the hostility left from the old era. We do not need to wait further because there is a new opportunity now for the two sides to create an era of reconciliation together. |
150. | June 2, 2000 | Arranging Koo-Wang Talks for October. MAC Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen says that exchange of visits at all levels would be good. If the Mainland China invites her, Ms. Tsai would be willing to visit the Mainland. The chance for "Koo-Wang Talks" in October still exists, she says, and she emphasizes that she will spare no efforts in facilitating the meeting between the two gentlemen through all possible channels. |
151. | June 12, 2000 | Giving the priority to direct transportation for religious purposes. Premier Tang Fei promises to conduct a feasibility study of the liberalization of the three mini-links and direct transport for religious purposes. Under the scope of the Statutes Governing Development on Offshore Islands, the direct transport for religious purposes could be liberalized on a trial basis for ships having prior approval and docking at a third party during the voyage. |
152. | June 20, 2000 | Three direct links. In the press conference after assuming office for one month, President Chen says that we will comprehensively review and promote the three links, (direct mail, transportation, and trade with the Chinese mainland), according to market forces, and to proportional and reciprocal principles. |
153. | June 20, 2000 | Proposing reconciliation with Jiang Zemin. In the press conference after assuming office for one month, President Chen sincerely call upon Mr. Jiang Zemin, the leader of Beijing, to work together with him to create a historic moment of handshakes, just as North and South Korea did. Without specifying any conditions, formality, or locations, they can sit down, shake hands, and reconcile. |
154. | July 16, 2000 | Approval of Insurance Companies to Set up Offices on the Mainland. The Executive Yuan adopted the draft revisions of the Measures Governing Businesses Exchanges Between Insurance Companies in the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area to deregulate restrictions on Taiwan's insurances companies to set up representative offices on the Mainland. |
155. | July 31, 2000 | Shelving disputes, promoting dialogue and exchanges. In a press conference, President Chen urges the Beijing to work together again, based on the existing foundation and spirit of the 1992 meeting, and create positive cross-strait interactions. We hope that the two sides can begin to "agree to disagree," through a process of "dialogue, exchange, and shelving disputes," and finally reach an acceptable consensus and conclusion for both, so the "agree to disagree" can become an "agreement of consensus". |
156. | Sep. 28, 2000 | Ease-up of the duration of stay by Mainland Chinese experts. The Mainland Affairs Council resolves "Amendment of Specific Activities by Mainland Chinese Experts in Taiwan", including the research period of industrial and high-tech experts for the stay up to one year maximum. |
157. | Sep. 29, 2000 | Ease-up of the duration of stay by Mainland Chinese. The Ministry of the Interior resolves the amendment of "Regulations to Permit Mainland Chinese to Settle or Stay in Taiwan" whereunder the Taiwan citizens' Mainland Chinese spouses may, during stay in Taiwan, exit for sixty days within every two years. The period may be used on a flexible basis. |
158. | Oct. 30, 2000 | Ease-up of the terms for entries by Mainland Chinese. The Mainland Affairs Council resolves that Mainland Chinese experts, when applying for participating in high-tech research, lectures, seminars in Taiwan, may lodge application only two months prior to scheduled arrival in Taiwan. The Council further extends the stay by Mainland Chinese technological specialists up to three years. |
159. | Oct. 30, 2000 | Better care for education to Taiwan investors' children. The Mainland Affairs Council resolves the amendment of Statute Governing Taiwan & Mainland Chinese People, expressly permitting Mainland China based Chinese investors to set up junior high and primary schools aiming at Taiwan citizens' children; and permitting acknowledgement and accreditation of the academic qualifications as well as the adoption in consolidation with education completed in Taiwan. |
160. | Nov. 10, 2000 | Permission to Mainland Chinese journalists to "stay and cover" news reports. The Mainland Affairs Council and Government Information Office pronounce the lifting of ban on Mainland Chinese journalists to "stay and cover" news reports in Taiwan. |
161. | Nov. 15, 2000 | National Health Insurance granted to Mainland Chinese spouses in Taiwan. The National Health Insurance Bureau announces beginning November 2000, Mainland Chinese spouses in Taiwan holding "Reunion Tourist Permit" are entitled to National Health Insurance as long as they complete required procedures. |
162. | Dec. 27, 2000 | Mini-Three-Link. The Mainland Affairs Council promulgates "Mini-Three-Link Promotion Project & Enforcement Plan" |
163. | Jan. 1, 2001 | Implementing the "mini three links" on a trial base. The "mini-three-links" is implemented on Jan. 1, 2001 in the Kinmen and Matsu areas. The purpose of such implementation is to promote the economic construction and development on the two offshore islands and enhance positive interplay between the two sides.
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164. | Jan. 8, 2001 | Repatriating Mainland stowaways and fishermen. After the "mini-three-links" is implemented, our side carries out the first repatriation of Mainland stowaways, totaling 119 persons. Seven Mainland fishermen who trespasses into Taiwan waters are repatriated by the Kinmen squads of the Coastal Patrol Administration and the Kinmen 9th Coastal Patrol Team before the Chinese Lunar New Year.
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165. | Feb. 14, 2001 | Loosening rules on Mainland high-tech experts to Taiwan. The Executive Yuan decides at a cabinet meeting to loosen regulations on the entry and stay of Mainland high-tech experts in Taiwan to open up recruitment for them to join Taiwan's scientific research and development.
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166. | Mar. 22, 2001 | Permitting Mainland spouses working in Taiwan. The Council of Labor Affairs adopts the "Measures Governing the Approval and Management of the Work of Mainland Spouses during Their Stay in Taiwan." Under the new measures, Mainland spouses of those who are low-income, aged 65 or above, with moderate physical or mental problems, or in serious ailment or injury, can apply for a work permit.
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167. | Apr. 27, 2001 | Extending inviation to Mr. Wang Daohan to visit Taiwan. On the eighth anniversary of the Koo-Wang Talks, SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu says that he is willing to extend an invitation again to ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan to visit Taiwan. Mr. Koo is also willing to visit Shanghai again to meet Wang to seek an opportunity to develop cross-strait relations.
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168. | May 30, 2001 | Liberalizing Establishment of Representative Offices by Banks. The Executive Yuan approved revisions in the "Measures Governing Banking Sector's Correspondence between the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area." Under the new provisions, international financial institutions with branches handling financial exchanges between the two sides can correspond directly. Local financial institutions will be allowed to establish representative offices on the Mainland. |
169. | June 1, 2001 | Macroscopic and Pragmatic ?Current ROC Policy toward Hong Kong and Macao. This statement makes a description of the government's policies for Hong Kong and Macao, reduces differences, promotes exchanges, and enhances bilateral relations. |
170. | July 11, 2001 | Further Relaxation for Entry by Mainland High-tech Experts. The Executive Yuan approved revisions in the "Measures Governing Mainland Professionals to Visit Taiwan for Specific Activities" to contribute to friendly interplay between the two sides. The new provisions simplify the applications of Mainland high-tech experts to visit Taiwan for scientific and technologic research. The stay of these experts in Taiwan is extended from two years to three years. |
171. | July 25, 2001 | Resolving Issues of Taiwan People Overstaying on the Mainland to Settle in Taiwan. Pursuant to the revised Article 2 in the "Statute Governing Relations between the People in the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area," promulgated on Dec. 20, 2000, the Ministry of the Interior nullified the provision defining Taiwan people overstaying on the Mainland as staying longer than four years. At the same time, MOI adopted other applicable rules and supporting measures, which took effect on July 25, 2001. |
172. | Aug. 1, 2001 | Relaxing Provisions on Keeping Documents of Mainland Spouses. MOI promulgated revisions in the "Guidelines Governing the Entry of Mainland People into the Taiwan Area" on August 1, 2001. When Mainland spouses enter the Taiwan area for family reunion, the requirement for their certificates to be kept in custody can be revoked. The authenticate certificate of the Mainland spouse shall be kept by the person. The Bureau of Immigration will only keep the copy. The new regulation applies mutatis mutandis to Mainland spouses entering into Taiwan with qualification for residence. |
173. | Aug. 8, 2001 | Improvements in the Regulations on Hong Kong and Macao People Entering Taiwan
- MOI revised the provisions under Article 9 of the
"Measures Governing Hong Kong and Macao Residents to Enter, Stay, and Reside in Taiwan" to conform to the government current policies on Hong Kong and Macao, promote tourism, and strengthen exchanges between these places. The provisions were revised to facilitate Hong Kong and Macao people to visit Taiwan.
- The revisions allow Hong Kong and Macao people who had been approved to visit Taiwan to re-enter Taiwan for temporary stay of no more than 14 days.
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174. | Aug. 14, 2001 | Relaxing Regulations on Mainland High-tech Experts to Visit Taiwan and Enjoy Health Insurance. MOI promulgated revisions in the "Measures Governing Mainland Professionals to Visit Taiwan for Specific Activities." The new regulations simplify the applications of Mainland high-tech experts to visit Taiwan for scientific research. The stay of these Mainland high-tech experts is extended from two years to three years. Those who stay longer than four months can apply for coverage under the National Health Insurance Program. |
175. | Aug. 26, 2001 | EDAC Cross-strait Committee Reaches Consensus. The Cross-strait Affairs Committee of the Economic Development Advisory Conference reached consensus on 36 items. These include revising the "no haste, be patient" policy to "active liberalization and effective management." The three links will be promoted in line with the accession to the WTO. We will promote the tourism by the Mainland tourists to Taiwan. |
176. | Aug. 31, 2001 | Jinjiang Trade Show Favorable to Normal Commercial Exchanges under the Mini-three-links. The Kinmen Commerce Association sponsored the "Kinmen Exhibition and Trade Promotion of Specialties of Mainland China Jinjiang City" during August 31 to September 2, 2001, and invited Mainland officials and business representatives to visit the Kinmen. This marked the first time that Mainland products moved through the entire process of customs clearance, inspection, warehousing, and delivery to Kinmen. The number of Mainland visitors to Kinmen was the largest visiting group ever. This successful exhibition has given rise to more bilateral exchanges under the mini-three-links. |
177. | Sep. 5, 2001 | Liberalizing Direct Transport on Case-by-case Basis. The Executive Yuan decides in a cabinet meeting to revise provisions in the "Provisional Implementation of the Measures Governing Transport between the offshore islands of Kinmen and Matsu, and the Mainland Area" adding that "when deemed necessary under the Mainland policy," ROC ships may seek approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications on a case-by-case basis to transport from the Pescadores to the Mainland area. |
178. | Sep. 5, 2001 | Cabinet Approves Investment of Mainland Capital in Taiwan's Real Estate Market. Adopting revisions in Article 69 of the "Statutes Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and People of the Mainland Area," the Executive Yuan allows Mainland capital to be invested in Taiwan's real estate market. |
179. | Oct. 29, 2001 | Relaxation on Mainland Financial Experts Visiting Taiwan. The Mainland Affairs Council revises provisions in the "Measures Governing Mainland Professionals Visiting Taiwan for Professional Activities," which marks a major adjustment of regulations on Mainland financial experts to visit Taiwan. |
180. | Oct. 31, 2001 | Greater Promotion of the "Offshore Transport Center." The Executive Yuan passes in a cabinet meeting the implementation plan for "Expanding the Scope and Function of the Offshore Transport Center and Easing Customs Clearance for Inbound and Outbound Cargo." |
181. | Nov. 6, 2001 | Relaxing the "No Haste, Be Patient" Policy. The Executive Yuan makes a decision in a cabinet meeting to implement "active opening and effective management" as its Mainland policy, which marks an adjustment to the "no haste, be patient" policy. |
182. | Nov. 23, 2001 | Allowing Mainland Tourists to Visit Taiwan. The Executive Yuan in a cabinet meeting adopts the "Implementation Plan of Allowing Tourists of the Mainland Area to Visit Taiwan." The plan will be effective from Jan. 1, 2002 on a trial basis, first for Mainland Chinese now residing overseas, including Chinese students and those with residential rights in third countries. |
183. | Dec. 12, 2001 | Increasing the Quota for People from the Mainland to Reside in Taiwan. The Executive Yuan, in a cabinet meeting adopts the new "Quota for Mainland People Who Can Reside in the Taiwan Area as of 2002," which marks an increase of the quota for Chinese immigrants. |
184. | Dec. 14, 2001 | SEF Urging the Two Sides to Have Dialogue. The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) sends a congratulatory message to the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) on its 10th anniversary of establishment. SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu urges the two sides to set aside political disputes and to begin with discussions on substantive issues. |
185. | Dec. 25, 2001 | Extension to the Provisional Implementation of the Plan for the "Mini-three-links." The steering committee of the Executive Yuan makes the decision to extend the provisional implementation of the plan for the "mini-three-links" by one year. |
186. | Jan. 1, 2002 | Revising "the Quota for People of the Mainland Area to Reside in the Taiwan Area". The government has switched to a two-track system on the regulation of Mainland Chinese residents in Taiwan since 2002. This change creates an additional type of residents by allowing Mainland Chinese who have stayed legally in Taiwan for more than two years and with four years remaining on the waiting list for a residence quota to be qualified to apply for residential permits. irrespective of the quota limitations. This rational adjustment with benefit mainland spouses of Taiwan people by shortening their waiting time by almost half. The change with also help families involving with cross-strait marriages reduce costs and alleviate pressures. |
187. | Jan. 16, 2002 | Adjusting cross-strait economic and trade policies in the wake of accession to the WTO. The Executive Yuan adopts the "Implementation Plan for Adjusting Cross-strait Trade and Economic Policies in Line with Accession to the WTO." This will allow direct transaction of cross-strait trade, a step-by-step opening up of Mainland investment in Taiwan, and a plan for direct remittances, mail, and communication between the two sides. |
188. | Jan. 18, 2002 | Expand liberalization of Mainland professionals visiting Taiwan and simplifing the application procedures. The "Measures Governing Mainland Professionals Visiting Taiwan" is revised to simplify application procedures as follows: Mainland scientists visiting Taiwan to do research in technology can stay for a maximum of six years, compared to the previous three-year limit. Mainland trade and economic officials falling under Types A, C, and D and working for multinational companies, the visa applications can be filed 10 working days before their planned trip, and under special circumstances, five working days before the trip. |
189. | Mar. 27, 2002 | EY adopts liberalization for certain Mainland capital invested in Taiwan. The Executive Yuan(EY) adopts revisions in Articles 25(1), 73, 93(1) of the "Statute Governing Relations between People of the Taiwan Area and People of the Mainland Area." The decisions allow certain Mainland capital to be invested in Taiwan. |
190. | Mar. 29, 2002 | Allowing Investment in 8-inch wafer plants on the Mainland. The EY announces the "Policy Guidelines for Investment in Wafer Plants on the Mainland," and "the Implementation Plan with Supporting Measures for Investment in Wafer Plants on the Mainland." The decisions in effect liberalize Taiwan investment in 8-inch wafer plants and those of smaller size on the Mainland. The two announcements contain explanations of the liberalization measures and conditions. |
191. | Apr. 2, 2002 | Revision of Articles 24, 35, and 69 of the "Statute Governing Relations Between People of Taiwan Area and People of the Mainland Area". These revisions have removed double taxation of remitted profits of Taiwan investment on the Mainland, allowed Taiwan businessmen to report to the government after establishing plants without prior approval, and approved Mainland investments in Taiwan's land and real estate. |
192. | Apr. 24, 2002 | Allowing universities to set up extension programs on the Mainland. In order to promote scholarly exchanges between the two sides and provide opportunities for Taiwan businessmen for continuing their education, the EY approves the proposal from the Ministry of Education for revising the measures governing extension programs universities. This decision allows universities to open up continuing education programs on the Mainland. |
193. | May 1, 2002 | Further liberalization of Mainland tourists visiting Taiwan. The EY approves the implementation of the second stage of the plan for liberalizing Mainland tourists visiting Taiwan. The decision extends trial implementation to include type II Mainland tourists. This change allows a trip to Taiwan by those who are traveling for business or other purposes in third countries, those residing in third countries or overseas (including Hong Kong and Macao) for more than four years and having work permits, and their accompanying spouses or directly velated relatives. |
194. | May 9, 2002 | Expanding the "mini-three-links" for the benefits of Kinmen and Matsu areas. While making an inspection trip to Kinmen, President Chen says that the "three links" between the two sides are inevitable. The "mini-three-links" are the first step leading toward the "three links". And, expanding the "mini-three-links" is a pressing issue to the benefit of the people of Kinmen and Matsu. The government will actively consider to make Kinmen a transit point for specific purposes. Under the principle of aggregate control over the quantity, Mainland agricultural products will be allowed to import to Kinmen and Matsu, making such trade no longer a criminal act or considered as smuggling. |
195. | May 10, 2002 | Offering services for Mainland Chinese coming to Taiwan via Hong Kong. With a view to improving services for Mainland Chinese coming to Taiwan via Hong Kong, and upgrading the quality and efficiency of such services, the MAC's Hong Kong Affairs Bureau opened an office at the Chek Lap Kok Airport today. |
196. | May 13, 2002 | Reiterating bona fide intent for dialogue. In an interview with Newsweek of the United States, President Chen reiterated the government's sincerity and bona fide intent as well as his willingness to have dialogue or consultations with Mainland leaders, including Chairman Jiang Zemin, at any time and any place, with no preconditions, on any subject matter, including the "three links". |
197. | May 16, 2002 | Signing the Agreement for oil exploration in the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese Petroleum Co., using the name of its Overseas Petroleum and Investment Corporation, signed an agreement with Mainland's China National Offshore Oil Corp. This marks the first joint project between state-run companies of the two sides, and opens up more opportunities for future cooperation. |
198. | June 12, 2002 | Relaxation of Visa upon Arrival for Hong Kong and Macao Residents. In hope of the improvement of entry procedures for Hong Kong and Macao people and implementation of the government's policy toward the two places, Hong Kong and Macao people may apply for visas upon arrival on their first visits to Taiwan. This is a further liberalization after that of a previous one allowing people of the two places who have ever been granted entry to Taiwan to apply for temporary visas for 14-day stays (visa upon arrival). |
199. | June 29, 2002 | Signing of the Taiwan-Hong Kong Aviation Arrangement. This arrangement can pragmatically resolve the renewal of the Taiwan-Hong Kong aviation agreement and protect the interests of passengers flying across the strait. |
200. | July 23, 2002 | First Direct Transportation for Religious Purposes from Penghu County. Pursuant to the Executive Yuan's revisions of the "Measures Governing the Trial Transportation between Kinmen/Matsu and the Mainland," promulgated on Sept. 19, 2001, which opened transportation between the Penghu County and the Mainland on the basis of a special case, the Penghu County Government was approved by the Executive Yuan to arrange the first direct transportation for religious purposes to welcome the statue of the Goddess of the Sea from Quanzhou, Fuken, to Taiwan during July 23-August 9, 2002. |
201. | July 31, 2002 | Liberalization of Direct Investment on the Mainland. The Measures Governing Investment or Technological Cooperation in the Mainland Area were revised and made public to allow enterprises to engage in direct investment on the Mainland. |
202. | Aug. 2, 2002 | Insurance Companies Are Allowed to Set up Branches on the Mainland. The Measures Governing Business Exchanges Between Insurance Companies in the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area were revised and promulgated to allow Taiwan's property and life insurance companies to establish branch offices or subsidiaries on the Mainland. |
203. | Aug. 2, 2002 | OBU and Direct Banking Correspondence with the Mainland Are Expanded. The Measures Governing Business Exchanges between Banking Institutions in the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area were revised to allow offshore banking units (OBUs) to handle credit lending and dealings of the receivables. Taiwan's domestic banking units(OBUs), were also allowed to have direct banking businesses with financial institutions on the Mainland. |
204. | Aug. 8, 2002 | Approval for Mainland Investment in Taiwan's Land and Real Estate. The Measures Governing Mainland Chinese in Obtaining, Creating and Transferring the Ownership of Real Estate Rights in Taiwan were revised. Mainland Chinese individuals, legal persons, groups or other organizations, and their invested companies in third areas, may obtain, create, and transfer the ownership of real estate rights. |
205. | Aug. 20, 2002 | Entry for Mainland Professionals Is Further Eased. For the purposes of facilitating multinational enterprises in arranging business activities and transferring their Mainland staff members to Taiwan, MAC convened coordination meetings with related government agencies in January and March 2002 respectively. The meetings discussed how to facilitate multinational companies in relocating and training their Mainland people in Taiwan. While the regulations governing business activities of Mainland people are still pending legislative review, MAC decided that Mainland professionals may apply for entry on a case-by-case basis to the Bureau of Immigration in line with Article 8 of the Measures Governing Mainland Professionals to Engage in Professional Activities in Taiwan. |
206. | Nov. 14, 2002 | Appropriate Expansion of the Scope of Relaxation of Agricultural Products from the Mainland for Importation to Kinmen and Matsu. The Executive Yuan has approved the recommendation of important policy adjustments to the "mini-three-links." Under volume control measures, the scope of relaxation of agricultural products from the Mainland has been appropriately expanded for them to be allowed for import to Kinmen and Matsu. With customs reduction as a supporting measure to help establish a normalized commercial importation channel to provide for the daily needs of the people, illegal small-scale trading and smuggling activities will be gradually eliminated. With this decision, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has announced on November 14 this expansion of the relaxation to allow 296 items of Mainland products to be imported to Taiwan to Kinmen and Matsu. Among the 24 agricultural products up for limited relaxation are eggs, dried longan pulp, rice, red beans, peanuts, sugar, and others. Industrial products for relaxation include a total of 274 items such as textile products. |
207. | Dec. 4, 2002 | Special Project for the Return of Taiwanese Businessmen in the Mainland During the Lunar New Year. In order to assist the Taiwanese businessmen in the Mainland in solving the problem of not being able to buy airplane tickets for flights back to Taiwan during the Lunar New Year holidays the Executive Yuan has approved the implementation of the "Special Project for the Return of Taiwanese Businessmen in the Mainland During the Lunar New Year" to allow Taiwanese airline companies to operate chartered flights between the Mainland and Taiwan with stopovers in Hong Kong and Macao to take Taiwanese businessmen and their family members back to Taiwan during the Lunar New Year. At the same time, Taiwanese businessmen are also allowed, on a special case basis, to return to Taiwan for the Lunar New Year holidays from Fujian Province via Kinmen and Matsu. |
208. | Dec. 17, 2002 | Limited Relaxation to Allow Taiwanese Goods to Be Transported One-way to the Mainland Area Through the Offshore Islands. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has announced a limited relaxation that will allow Taiwanese goods to be transported one-way into the Mainland area via the offshore islands. The initial relaxation will include only such goods to satisfy the needs of Taiwanese businessmen (who have been duly registered with the MOEA) in Fujian Province, with the condition that they must have secured permits from the Mainland side. |
209. | Dec. 30, 2002 | Expansion of the Scope of Cultural Exchanges by Allowing More Professionals from the Mainland Area to Come to Taiwan. In order to expand the level of cross-Strait professional exchanges, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has coordinated with the agencies concerned in revising the Qualifications of Inviting Institutions and Required Documents for Inviting Professional People from the Mainland Area to Come to Taiwan to Engage in Professional Activities. The key revisions include the revision of the qualifications of the inviting institution of the Category F Trade and Economic Professionals in the Mainland Area, and the addition of Professionals in the Field of Consumer Protection in the Mainland Area, Professionals in the Field of Social Welfare in the Mainland Area, and Category B Professionals in the Field of Land and Construction Administration in the Mainland Area. |
210. | Jan. 26, 2003 | Operation of Chartered Flights in Connection with Special Project to Convenience Taiwanese Businessmen in Coming Home for the Lunar New Year. The series of chartered flights operated from January 26 to February 10 in connection with the implementation of the "Special Project for the Return of Taiwanese Businessmen in the Mainland to their Hometowns during the Lunar New Year" was an unprecedented act of the Government wherein Taiwanese businessmen were allowed to take "indirect chartered flights" from Shanghai to return to their hometowns in Taiwan for the Lunar New Year. At the same time, the "Mini-Three-Links" scheme was expanded to a moderate degree to applicable people in order to provide Taiwanese businessmen outside the Fujian Area and their family members with another option to return to Taiwan to spend the Lunar New Year via Kinmen and Matsu. A total of 2,462 Taiwanese businessmen and their family members availed of the indirect chartered flights during the Lunar New Year to return to their hometowns and return to the Mainland afterwards. As to the "Mini-Three-Links" route via Kinmen and Matsu, a total of at least 6,900 people availed of the opportunity to travel via Kinmen and Matsu before and after the Lunar New Year.
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211. | Feb. 27, 2003 | Macao Affairs Office under the MAC Officially Starts Issuing Taiwan Entry Permits to Macao Residents and Foreign Nationals in Macao. The Macao Affairs Office under the Mainland Affairs Council, Executive Yuan, officially entertained applications of Macao residents for permits to enter Taiwan and of foreign nationals for Taiwan visas on February 27, 2003. Macao residents and foreign nationals can now proceed directly to the said office to apply and obtain their travel documents to enter Taiwan. These services will make it more convenient for the Macao residents and other foreign nationals to enter Taiwan, and are believed to be beneficial to the interaction between Taiwan and Macao.
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212. | Apr. 1, 2003 | Extension of Permit of Mainland Spouses to Stay in Taiwan. In order to counteract the further spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in the Mainland and in Hong Kong, and to conform with humanitarian considerations as well as to prevent the Mainland spouses from running the risk of contracting the disease once they go back to the Mainland due to the expiration of their permit to visit their relatives and to have a family union in Taiwan, the MAC met with the Department of Health, the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) under the National Police Administration of the Ministry of the Interior, and other agencies concerned, and decided that the Bureau of Immigration will be requested to announce, based on Subparagraph 4 of Paragraph 1 of Article 18 and Paragraph 2 of Article 18 of the "Permit Regulations Governing the Entry of People from the Mainland Area into the Taiwan Area," that permits expiring on March 28, 2003 will be automatically extended to April 30. Thereafter, the agencies concerned will be consulted for the automatic one-month extension of stay duration each month of Mainland spouses until July 31, 2003. August will be the "buffer period." |
213. | May 16, 2003 | Relaxation of Restrictions Concerning Mainland People Invited by Multi-national Enterprises to Come to Taiwan to Engage in Commercial Activities. The MAC consults with the agencies concerned in the formulation of the "Permit Regulations Concerning Mainland People Invited by Multi-national Enterprises to Come to Taiwan to Engage in Related Commercial Activities," which is promulgated and implemented by the Ministry of the Interior on May 16, 2003. |
214. | June 19, 2003 | Adjustment of "Mini-Three-Links" Operations in Counteraction to the SARS Situation. In order to counteract the situation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), passenger and commercial shipping routes between Matsu and Kinmen and the Mainland have been temporarily suspended on April 1, 2003 and May 16, 2003, respectively, according to the regulations stipulated under Article 35 of the "Implementation Regulations for the Provisional Transport Links Between Kinmen and Matsu and the Mainland Area." After evaluation by the agencies concerned, since the domestic SARS situation has alleviated, and in consideration of the public opinion in the areas of Kinmen and Matsu, and since the risks in the spread of the disease in the transport of goods are lower, therefore in coordination with the entire policy of disease prevention, partial operations of the "Mini-Three-Links" involving the transport of goods are resumed starting on June 19. |
215. | June 20, 2003 | Relaxation for Further Exchanges Between the Insurance Sectors of Both Sides of the Strait. The "Permit Regulations for Exchanges Between the Insurance Sectors of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" are revised and promulgated, allowing direct communications between the insurance sectors of both sides of the Strait. At the same time, regulations are further relaxed to allow insurance agencies, brokers, notary-publics to set up offices in the Mainland Area. |
216. | Aug. 15, 2003 | Executive Yuan Announces the "Assessment of the Impact of Direct Cross-Strait Transportation." The Executive Yuan announces on August 15, 2003 the "Assessment of the Impact of Direct Cross-Strait Transportation," which contains a comprehensive assessment of the effects that will result from the implementation of the cross-Strait "direct transport links" and a full-scale "Three-Links." |
217. | Oct. 23, 2003 | Relaxation of Regulations Concerning the Visit of Mainland High-Tech Experts to Taiwan. In coordination with the policy of training high-tech personnel needed in the industries, and to attain a breakthrough by recruiting overseas high-tech experts to enhance the standard of scientific and technological know-how in the country as well as to promote economic development, the Ministry of the Interior announced on October 23, 2003 the amendment of category 15 of the "Regulations Governing the Institutions Inviting Professionals in the Mainland Area to Taiwan to Engage in Professional Activities and the Documents Required for Such Invitations," and the augmentation of category 19 to relax the visits by Mainland high-tech experts to Taiwan. The MAC deliberated and passed the revision draft of a portion of the "Permit Regulations Governing the Entry of Professionals from the Mainland Area into Taiwan to Engage in Professional Activities on December 19 in its 142nd council meeting amending the procedures for application to enter Taiwan, for extension of stay in Taiwan, and for the issuance of documents to experts in the industrial sectors in the Mainland Area that have been relaxed. Moreover, due to the fact that the Asian Games and the Olympic Games are held four years respectively, and that the developmental characteristics of each sports event and the performance of coach training are not uniform, and in order to avoid a gap in the training program of our national sports teams, to conform to the objectives of training outstanding athletes and the continuity of the promotion of training programs, there is an additional regulation to allow sports professionals from the Mainland Area to come to Taiwan to assist in the training program of Taiwan's national sports teams and to extend the duration of their stay. This regulation shall be submitted to and approved by the Executive Yuan and implemented by the Ministry of the Interior. |
218. | Oct. 29, 2003 | Promulgation of the Amendments to the "Act Governing Relations Between the Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" Highlights the Legal Guideline to Restructure Related Laws of Cross-Strait Relations. The third reading of the amendment of the Act at the Legislative Yuan was completed on October 9, 2003, after which it was promulgated by the President on October 29. This amendment contains the most drastic adjustment of the Act since its implementation. In establishing a new order for long term cross-Strait social, cultural and educational, as well as trade and economic exchanges, and further under the precondition of guiding cross-Strait relations to gradually proceed toward normalization, the portions involving cross-Strait negotiations, personnel exchanges, cross-Strait transportation links, trade and economic exchanges, and cultural and educational exchanges underwent a comprehensive review and adjustment, so as to create new legal mechanisms for the "sufficient implementation" and "reasonable relaxation with effective management." |
219. | Dec. 25, 2003 | Formulation of Regulations Concerning Related Commercial Activities Such as the Transfer of Personnel of International Companies and Their Visit to Taiwan to Perform Their Duties. In keeping with the regulations stipulated under Paragraph 2, Article 32 of the "Act Governing the Establishment and Management of Free Port Zones," we have consulted with the ministries and councils concerned with regard to the entry of the Mainland people into the free port areas, which served as our basis for amending the said permit regulations, wherein the purpose for their entry into the free port zone is restricted to "commercial visits," and the qualification of their application is "the institutions in free port zones." A portion of articles has been approved by the Executive Yuan for amendment on October 27, 2003. The permit regulations have also been renamed the "Permit Regulations Governing the Invitation of Mainland Professionals to Visit Taiwan to Engage in Related Commercial Activities by International Corporations in the Free Port Zones Whose Operations Have Reached a Certain Level in the Taiwan Area," which has been promulgated by the Ministry of the Interior on December 25. |
220. | Dec. 31, 2003 | Formulation and Promulgation of "Regulations for the Advertisement of Mainland Products, Labor, and Services in the Taiwan Area". According to the "Act Governing Relations Between Peoples on the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" and related regulations, if there are no significant regulations that prohibit the advertisement of Mainland products, labor, services, and other items allowed for import into Taiwan, they are in principle be allowed to advertise in the Taiwan area. |
221. | Feb. 26, 2004 | Key Points Formulated for the Review of Alliances Formed Between Schools of Any Level in Taiwan and the Mainland Area or of Cooperative Ventures Entered into Through Written Agreements. In coordination with the amendment of the regulations under Article 33.3 of the "Act Governing Relations Between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" in view of cross-Strait exchanges between universities and the fact that agreements on academic exchanges have been increasingly frequent, and based on the Government's Mainland policy of "proactive liberalization with effective management," this additional stipulation has been revised for inclusion in the law. |
222. | Mar. 1, 2004 | Legal Basis of the "Mini-Three-Links" and the Adjustment of the Expansion of the Scope of Its Implementation. The important policy adjustment measures in the amendment of the "Regulations for the Trial Implementation of Navigation Between the Areas of Kinmen and Matsu and the Mainland Area" based on Article 95.1 of the "Act Governing Relations Between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" are: the moderate relaxation to allow various personnel to travel between both sides of the Strait through the offshore islands, which allows Taiwanese businessmen coming from places other than Fujian Province in the Mainland to travel between both sides of the Strait through the offshore islands, veterans whose place of birth (or native hometown) are Fujian Province to travel between both sides of the Strait through Kinmen and Matsu, and the children of Taiwanese businessmen who do not belong to any category approved by the Ministry of Economic Affairs to return to Kinmen and matsu to receive Taiwan's basic education; the relaxation of the issuance of special permit to suitable applicants, including the related shipping and commercial activities by companies engaged in the transportation links, as well as those running trial operations related to the transportation links; allowing overseas Chinese to enter into and exit Kinmen and Matsu via the Mainland area as a group on a special case basis during important festivals; and for people from the Taiwan area who have obtained permission to travel to and from the Mainland area via Kinmen and Matsu, passports can be used in place of the Entry and Exit Permit for Kinmen and Matsu for identification purposes. Moreover, vessels transporting gravel approved for import into Taiwan from the Mainland area through the special review system shall be allowed to dock at the Chung-chu Port at Tung-yin, the Ching-fan Port at Hsi-chu, and the Meng-ao Port at Tung-chu after inspection procedures have been completed at Fu-ao Port; the implementation of direct transportation of checked-in baggage to the port of destination for passengers via the "Mini-Three-Links" is being planned; duty-free and simplified customs and quarantine procedures for the importation of small-volume Mainland agricultural and sea products will be in effect under an overall volume control or by establishing a management and control mechanism; review and supplementary management measures will be established to allow Mainland people to come to Kinmen and Matsu for sightseeing; and duty-free shops at Shuitou Port in Kinmen and Fu-ao Port in Matsu may be applied and registered with Customs authorities. |
223. | Mar. 1, 2004 | Amendment and Promulgation of the "Permit Regulations for the Application of People from the Mainland Area to Depend on Relatives in Taiwan, to Reside Permanently, or to Settle Down in the Taiwan Area". The adjustment of the system to allow people from the Mainland area to come to Taiwan includes the replacement of the reason from "visiting relatives" to "joining family members" the addition of a system for "long duration of stay," and to further implement the measures of "better social assistance," to enhance the stability of cross-Strait marriages and the convenience of their livelihood. |
224. | Mar. 1, 2004 | Revising the Statute Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the People of the Mainland Area to Increase Flexible Mechanisms for Entrusting Cross-strait Negotiations.
The status quo of cross-strait exchanges and remaining discussion issues involve the powers and responsibilities of many competent authorities, as well as the association of the private economic and commercial sectors and many other elements. Consequently, there is a need to adopt more flexible and pragmatic measures to resume cross-strait talks on the premise of ensuring there is no encroachment on government authority and preventing the interference of individual interests. To this end, the government's latest revision to the Statute Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the People of the Mainland Area establishes flexible legal mechanisms to attract assistance from private organizations. It also establishes a mechanism for the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) to entrust private organizations, as well as establishes an effective monitoring mechanism to assist the resumption of cross-strait negotiations. |
225. | Mar. 1, 2004 | Relaxing Regulations on People of the Taiwan Area Accepting Employment in the Mainland Area. Prior to the revision of Article 33 of the Statute Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the People of the Mainland Area, the Statute stipulated comprehensive controls forbidding any person of the Taiwan area from "holding any position" in the mainland area without approval of the competent authorities. Only accountants and their personnel assistants, arbiters, athletes, and medical personnel permitted under measures issued by the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Sports Affairs Council, and Department of Health could apply for mainland employment. Amendments to Article 33 of the Statute promulgated on October 29, 2003. The revised Statute allows employment in principle, with the exception that persons serving in positions of political parties, the military, or government administration as prohibited by public notices; positions that can affect national security and interests; or on the basis of policy needs, must first obtain permission from the competent authority. The revisions are aimed at maintaining security and stability in the Taiwan area and coordinating with the current status of cross-strait exchanges. |
226. | Mar. 1, 2004 | Implementing the "Accommodation in Humanitarian Assistance" Policy for Mainland Spouses in an Orderly and Gradual Manner. In consideration of the overall effect and current systems related to immigration, the government introduced legal revisions effective from March 1, 2004, to adjust the system for mainland spouses visiting Taiwan. The new system replaces "family visits" with "family reunions" and establishes a new "long-term residency" system. Measures for "accommodation in humanitarian assistance" measures are to be implemented at all levels. Such measures include relaxing the period of stay (residency) in Taiwan for mainland spouses, issuing renewable and multiple entry permits, and easing the employment qualification requirements to improve the convenience of daily life and family stability for mainland spouses. Through guidance measures, the government has also strengthened care and assistance for mainland spouses who have legally entered Taiwan so they can adapt to and integrate with life in Taiwan. |
227. | Mar. 1, 2004 | Implementing an Interview Mechanism for Mainland Spouses. The number of cross-strait marriages has grown rapidly, and there are currently 230,000 such married couples in Taiwan. To prevent cases of fake marriage from affecting social order, while also safeguarding legal and normal marriages, the government is implementing an interview mechanism for mainland spouses visiting Taiwan. Through a strict examination and recognition procedure, the objective of effective screening for fake marriages has been achieved. Furthermore, in order to help mainland spouses quickly adapt to their new home in Taiwan, the government also provides consulting services, training courses, and assistance channels through various guidance mechanisms. |
228. | Mar. 1, 2004 | Relaxation of Regulations on Mainland-bound Investment and the Importation of Industrial Technical Know-how from the Mainland Area. In coordination with the promulgation and implementation of the "Act Governing Relations Between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area," related regulations have been relaxed to allow companies investing in the Mainland with a certain amount of capital to go through reporting procedures and to allow the importation of a wider scope of industrial technical know-how from the Mainland area, as well as to allow industrial experts from the Mainland area to stay temporarily in Taiwan. |
229. | Mar. 11, 2004 | Special Project for the Return of Taiwanese Businessmen from the Mainland to Vote in the March 20 Election. To respond to the demands of the Taiwanese businessmen and after consideration of the overall policy of the "Mini-Three-Links" and the transportation operations capability, the special project to allow Taiwanese businessmen from the Mainland to return to Taiwan to vote in the March 20 election via the "Mini-Three-Links" route during the election period has been approved in the light of this year's special project for their return to Taiwan during the Lunar New Year Holidays. This is to provide the Taiwanese businessmen from the Mainland area with another choice of transportation vehicles to enable them to return to Taiwan to vote in the election. The special project will run from March 11, 2004 to March 30, 2004. |
230. | May 7, 2004 | Implement the "Measures for Cross-Strait Sea Freight Facilitation". The "Measures for Cross-Strait Sea Freight Facilitation" promulgated on May 7 are mainly to make appropriate adjustments to the measures of the Offshore Shipping Center, so as to expand shipping operations and to enable cargo transportation operations to conform to actual demands and provide more convenient and faster service. The measures for the Offshore Shipping Center and the following relaxation measures are being implemented after consideration of the related policies and regulations of Taiwan and the Mainland before both sides could conduct negotiations on the "direct transportation" links:1. The present scope of operations of the Offshore Shipping Center will be expanded from the handling of trans-Customs goods to the handling of goods imported and exported by the Mainland with a third area. (The regulation restricting "the transport of Taiwanese goods to its destination in the Mainland area or of Mainland goods to its destination in the Taiwan area" is maintained; however, the regulation stipulating that "operations should include the handling of goods from the Mainland to a third area or from a third area to the Mainland area" is not anymore in effect.)2. The ports servicing the Offshore Shipping Center will include the ports of Taichung and Keelung, in addition to Kaohsiung Port. However, direct routes between Taichung Port and Mainland ports are not yet allowed.3. If the Mainland side agrees to relax related restrictions, further relaxation to allow goods originated in the Offshore Shipping Center to go through customs and enter the country will be implemented in the future. |
231. | May 23, 2004 | Seek Any Opportunity for Cross-Strait Reconciliatory Dialogue and Negotiations. In a written congratulatory message to the International Conference on the "Prospects of Taipei Washington Beijing Relations After the Presidential Election," President Chen Shui-bian points out that for the sake of peace and security across the Taiwan Strait, the pursuit of any opportunity for cross-Strait reconciliatory dialogue and negotiations will not be abandoned, so as to preserve the joint security and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific Region. |
232. | May 27, 2004 | Invitation to Mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait Chairman Wang Daohan to Visit Taiwan. At the farewell tea party for outgoing Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Vice Chairman Shi, MAC Chairperson Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that another invitation will be extended to Mr. Wang Daohan to visit Taiwan. Whoever he wants to meet during his visit, it will be arranged; whatever issues he wants to discuss, Taiwan will not make any restrictions; wherever he wants to proceed, it is believed that the Taiwan public would cordially welcome him. It is believed that this is not only the joint expectation of the Taiwanese people, but consists also of the profound hope of the people on the Mainland. |
233. | May 29, 2004 | Government Will Establish Stable and Systematic Foundation for Cross-Strait Exchanges. In the forum held at Ilan and attended by the new Cabinet members, President Chen Shui-bian states that with the many close cross-Strait communications and exchanges, cross-Strait relations have transformed from being a purely political issue in the past to becoming a comprehensive challenges. Every government agency, and even local governments, should regularly review new issues resulting from cross-Strait relations, so as to enable cross-Strait affairs to be taken into account of their day-to-day operations, and to establish a stable and systematic foundation. |
234. | June 8, 2004 | Continued Relaxation and Expansion of Cross-Strait Exchanges and Communications. After listening to the special talk of Presidential Adviser Ruan Ming on "The Theories and Facts of the Mainland's Recent Statements" at a session of the Central Standing Committee of the Democratic Progressive Party, President Chen Shui-bian states that the basic attitude of the Government toward cross-Strait relations is "Firm Position and Pragmatic Progress," hoping that both sides could jointly create an environment engendered on "peaceful development and freedom of choice." Under this existing foundation, the Government will continue to relax and expand cross-Strait exchanges and communications and actively pursue the resumption of the channels for dialogue and communication. |
235. | June 15, 2004 | Urging the Mainland to Speed up Repatriation Operations in Accordance with the "Kinmen Accord". During a visit with the sheltered stowaways at the Hsinchu Refugee Camp for Mainland Chinese maintained by the National Police Administration, Ministry of the Interior, MAC Chairperson Jaushieh Joseph Wu visits the stowaways sheltered there and extends his regards to the local police and staff for their efforts. Moreover, he urges the Mainland authorities to speed up the repatriation of the more than 2,000 Mainland stowaways in accordance with the Kinmen Accord, before the Dragon Boat Festival, to enable them to return to their hometowns and families as soon as possible. |
236. | June 24, 2004 | Promotion of Exchanges and Negotiations Is Main Task in the Present Cross-Strait Policy. At the Dragon Boat Festival gathering of Taiwanese businessmen, MAC Chairperson Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that the major task orientation of the present cross-Strait policy is the promotion of cross-Strait exchanges and negotiations. In the aspect of exchanges, the Government shall continue to expand all levels of cross-Strait trade and economy, cultural and educational, and media exchanges, and try to eliminate all the political obstacles to conduct negotiations on the "Three- Links" and on all substantial matters. |
237. | July 14, 2004 | Pleased About Assistance of Other Countries in the Promotion of the Resumption of Cross-Strait Talks. In receiving James A. Kelly, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, MAC Chairperson Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that Taiwan is highly interested in resuming dialogues with the Mainland, and will be pleased about any assistance of other countries in promoting the resumption of cross-Strait negotiations. |
238. | July 20, 2004 | Trade and Economic Issues to Serve as Entry Point in the Reactivation of Cross-Strait Negotiations. In a special interview with the Radio Taiwan International, MAC Chairperson Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that to promote the reactivation of negotiations with the Mainland side, the Government is basically planning to start with holding discussions on trade and economic issues, including the establishment of a mechanism for the clearing of Mainland-issued renminbi and New Taiwan Dollars, investment protection and an agreement on double taxation, as well as on talks for the protection of intellectual property rights. |
239. | July 26, 2004 | Allowing Reporters of China News Services to Station in Taiwan. In view of President Chen Shui-bian's statement in his May 20 inaugural address that, "based on the existing foundations, we hope to continue to push forth and expand the related measures on cross-Strait journalism and information exchanges," and to materialize the promises of President Chen Shui-bian and to actively express our goodwill, the Government agencies concerned have assessed actual needs and have agreed to allow a fifth Mainland news agency, the China News Services, to station two reporters in Taiwan to cover news events on a trial basis. |
240. | Aug. 17, 2004 | Three Links as Cross-Strait Routes to Serve as Basis of the Reactivation of Cross-Strait Negotiations. In receiving the Representatives of the Council for Industrial and Commercial Development, President Chen Shui-bian states that as long as the cross-Strait "Three Links" are treated as cross-Strait routes, the "Three Links" can be implemented at any time. The MAC further says that this statement conforms in spirit to President Chen Shui-bian's May 20 inaugural address. As long as there is no precondition set, both sides can commence negotiations on any matter at any time. |
241. | Sep. 27, 2004 | Two-way Flights for Next Year's Chinese New Year Cross-Strait Charter Flights May Be Possible. MAC Vice Chairperson Chiu Tai-san states that two-way flights may be possible in next year's Chinese new year cross-Strait charter flights. However, this requires both sides of the Strait to negotiate, and at the same time there should not be any political preconditions set in the negotiations. |
242. | Oct. 4, 2004 | Expansion of Scope and Implementation of Mutually Beneficial and Reciprocal Cross-strait Trade and Economic Exchanges to Be Sustained. Addressing the 2004 Mid-Autumn Festival gathering of Taiwanese businessmen in the Mainland, Premier Yu Shyi-kun states that the Government will continue to expand and implement mutually-beneficial and reciprocal cross-strait trade and economic exchanges, including relaxing the restrictions to allow Mainland Chinese businessmen to visit Taiwan, carrying out the policy of allowing Mainland Chinese residents to visit Taiwan for sightseeing, allowing more china-made products to import into Taiwan, and implementing cross-strait negotiations on "direct transportation," to gradually establish normalized cross-strait trade and economic relations. With regard to the negotiations with Beijing on the arrangements for the Lunar New Year charter flights and the cargo charter flights, he also instructs the MAC to take the initiative in proposing more concrete and feasible plans. |
243. | Oct. 10, 2004 | Resumption of Dialogues and Consultations Based on the 1992 Meeting in Hong Kong. President Chen Shui-bian states the hope in his National Day address that based on the existing foundation, both sides should promote the resumption of cross-strait dialogue and communication channel, to reduce the gap between the two sides and to construct a foundation of mutual trust. He also proposes that both sides use the basis of the 1992 meeting in Hong Kong, to seek possible plans that are "not necessarily perfect but acceptable," as a step forward in the resumption of dialogue and consultation. |
244. | Nov. 12, 2004 | Referring to the Model Implemented in the Taiwan-Hong Kong Air Route Negotiations for Implementing Cross-strait Charter Flights for Passengers and Cargo. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) invites the relevant government agencies and representatives of the six major industrial and commercial associations in Taiwan to attend a forum to discuss how to promote negotiations for the implementation of cross-strait passenger and cargo charter flights. The MAC states that the model and experience gained from the Taipei-Hong Kong commercial air route negotiations held in 2002 shall be referred to for planning. The specific details to be immediately discussed in the negotiations on cargo charter flights and Lunar New Year passenger charter flights are; "two-way, reciprocal and do not have to stop in a third location." Once China's position becomes clear, the related matters of cross-strait negotiations will be immediately entrusted to the Taipei Airlines Association, to facilitate the smooth implementation of the passenger and cargo chartered flights as soon as possible. |
245. | Nov. 17, 2004 | Draft on the "Permit Regulations for Mainland Businessmen Coming to Taiwan to Engage in Commercial Activities" Is Formulated. In order provide the Taiwanese businesses and multi-national corporations the convenience of inviting Mainland Chinese people to Taiwan for commercial activities, as well as promoting normalized cross-strait trade and economic exchanges, and enhancing positive cross-strait interactions, the Executive Yuan approves the "Permit Regulations for Mainland Businessmen Coming to Taiwan to Engage in Commercial Activities" in its 2915th session. The Permit Regulations will take effect after its promulgation by the Ministry of the Interior. The Permit Regulations will expand the scope of commercial activities and the qualifications of the inviting parties and the Mainland Chinese businessmen. It is expected that the number of Mainland Chinese people conducting commercial activities in Taiwan will increase after the implementation of the Regulations. Moreover, it will also gradually curb the current illegal practice of Mainland Chinese people's entry to Taiwan to engage in commercial activities by way of professional exchanges or sightseeing. |
246. | Nov. 29, 2004 | Taiwanese Securities Firms Allowed to Set up Subsidiaries in the Mainland China Area. The 153rd Council Meeting of the Mainland Affairs Council approves the draft amendment to "Regulations Governing the Approval of Securities and Futures Transactions Between the Taiwan Area and the Mainland China Area," which regulates that Taiwanese securities firms shall be allowed to set up subsidiaries in the Mainland China area. The draft amendment clearly stipulates the qualifications, the maximum amount of capital to be invested, the minimum share holding proportion, and the application documents required to be submitted by Taiwanese securities firms to set up subsidiaries in the Mainland China area, as well as the review procedures and the risk control mechanism. This relaxation measure and the draft amendment shall be submitted to the Executive Yuan for approval. |
247. | Dec. 1, 2004 | Reactivating the Door to Cross-strait Negotiations on the Foundation of the 1992 meeting in Hong Kong. Receiving Utah Governor Olene Walkerthe, President Chen Shui-bian states that the top mission of his second term is to stabilize both sides of the Strait, to pursue permanent peaceful development on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and to complete normalization of cross-strait relations. The Taiwan Government hopes to immediately reopen the door to cross-strait negotiations on the foundation of the 1992 meeting in Hong Kong. |
248. | Dec. 4, 2004 | Proposal on Academic Confidence Building Mechanism (ACBM). MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu presents a proposal on Academic Confidence Building Measures (ACBM) at the Third Forum on Taiwan-Japan Exchanges. |
249. | Dec. 8, 2004 | Reporters of China News Service Allowed to Station in Taiwan to Cover News Events. Since the implementation of a trial relaxation to allow a fifth Mainland Chinese news agency, the China News Service, to station in Taiwan to cover news events, there have been four batches totaling seven reporters who have been invited to station in Taiwan. They have reported about the development of Taiwan society and the people's views, and have transmitted these relevant reports to the Mainland Chinese residents. This enables them to gain further understanding of Taiwan from more diverse viewpoints, which is beneficial to the positive development of cross-strait information exchanges. The Government has officially allowed the reporters of the China News Service to station in Taiwan to cover news events starting on December 8 this year, hoping that through increased news coverage, we will actively fulfill the objective of "cross-strait news exchanges." |
250. | Dec. 10, 2004 | MAC Hopes That the Hong Kong SAR Government Will Establish a Representative Office in Taiwan. In an exclusive interview with the Hong Kong-based Ming Pao, MAC Chairman Wu states that many Hong Kong citizens come to Taiwan to studies, to do business, and to sightsee. If Hong Kong has a representative office in Taiwan, it will enhance efficiency in handling related matters, and will foster closer Taiwan-Hong Kong relations. For example, there was a vehicle accident in Chiufen, northern Taiwan area, this year involving Hong Kong residents. Communications between both sides regarding the accident would have been more direct if there was a representative office in Taiwan. |
251. | Dec. 2004 | MAC Hopes That Cross-strait Negotiations on Exchanges Will Lead to New Era of Cooperative Relations. In an exclusive interview with the Hong Kong-based Monthly China Review, MAC Chairman Wu states that Taiwan should try its best to facilitate favorable development of cross-strait relations. The many issues arising from frequent cross-strait exchanges which can be discussed through negotiations. Even if no results are produced, both sides would still move towards a new era of cooperative relations as long as they can sit down to talk. |
252. | Jan. 1, 2005 | Lunar New Year Charter Flights that are "Two-way, Reciprocal, and Non-stop" will be Promoted. At the International Media Press Briefing hosted by the Government Information Office, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the government has agreed to negotiate on the Lunar New Year charter flights based on the principle that the flights are "two-way, reciprocal, and non-stop." |
253. | Jan. 10, 2005 | Pragmatic Negotiations on Lunar New Year Charter Flights will be Conducted. Executive Yuan Spokesperson Chen Chi-mai indicates that Taiwan welcomes China's positive response to our proposal for the implementation of Lunar New Year charter flights this year. Spokesperon Chen expresses his hope that both sides could conduct pragmatic negotiations in a manner that is mutually acceptable. It is believed that success will come when the timing is right. |
254. | Jan. 11, 2005 | ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan is Expected to Visit Taiwan. While receiving a U.S. delegation of the Committee of One Hundred, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that he hopes that China would resume dialogues and negotiations with Taiwan, and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) Chairman Wang Daohan will visit Taiwan to attend the memorial service of the late Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Dr. Koo Chen-fu. |
255. | Jan. 15, 2005 | Consensus Reached at the Lunar New Year Charter Flights Negotiations is a "Historic Achievement". MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu describes the results obtained at the cross-strait negotiations on the Lunar New Year charter flights as a "historic achievement." He states that a consensus on the Lunar New Year charter flights has been achieved by both sides of the Strait based on the spirit of the Taiwan-Hong Kong Air Talks. This shows that both sides are able to "put aside disputes, lay no preconditions, express mutual respect and act pragmatically, with the government taking initiative and the private sector providing assistance." It promotes mutually beneficial and reciprocal exchanges for the benefit of people's welfare, and creates a foundation for mutual trust. Chairman Wu further emphasizes that it is hoped that the successful negotiation experience could serve as a foundation for future cross-strait negotiations, as well as a window of opportunity for benign cross-strait interaction. |
256. | Feb. 16, 2005 | It is Hoped that the Successful Experience of the Lunar New Year Charter Flights can be Applied to Other Aspects. While addressing the 2005 Lunar New Year gathering of the "Taiwanese businessmen's associations in China", MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates the hope that the successful experience of the Lunar New Year charter flights can be continually expanded and applied to cargo charter flights and broader cross-strait trade and economic exchanges. This is aimed at reestablishing a new era of positive cross-strait interaction. |
257. | Mar. 1, 2005 | Using the "1992 Hong Kong Meeting" as a Basis for Further Negotiation and Dialogue. During a videoconference with members of the European Parliament and the press, President Chen Shui-bian indicates his hope that both sides will use the "1992 Hong Kong meeting" as a basis for further cross-strait negotiation and dialogue. |
258. | Apr. 9, 2005 | "Pragmatic and Mutually Beneficial Cross-Strait Exchanges" will be Supported. In a statement upon his return to Taipei after concluding his "Journey of Peace and Commemoration," President Chen Shui-bian indicates that as the country's leader, he supports pragmatic and mutually beneficial exchanges between both sides of the Straits. Any political party leader can visit China, but if the visit sabotages national security and people's welfare, the government will never sit idle and remain indifferent because of its responsibilities to the people. |
259. | Apr. 25, 2005 | Cross-Strait Dialogue will be Conducted under the Principles of "Democracy, Peace, and Parity". During his telephone conversation with Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan, President Chen Shui-bian emphasizes that the government of the Republic of China is willing to improve relations with the other side of the Straits, to resume dialogue, and establish a "Peace and Stability Framework for Cross-Strait Interactions" under the principles of "democracy, parity, and peace." |
260. | May 1, 2005 | Normalization of Cross-Strait Relations will be Materialized Only by Communicating with Taiwan's Ruling Party. Before embarking on his "Ocean Partners Sunshine Trip" to the South Pacific, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that regardless of China's preferences, it should hold talks with Taiwan's duly elected government authority. This is the only way to properly promote the normalization of cross-strait relations and resumption of political dialogue. The door to cross-strait dialogue and negotiation is always open. Both sides can resume dialogue and contact under the three principles of democracy, peace, and parity. |
261. | May 6, 2005 | Taiwan is Ready to Conduct Talks on the Cargo Charter Flights. While receiving the members of parliament of Sweden's Moderate Party and Liberal People's Party, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the Taiwanese government has prepared to negotiate with China on cargo charter flights with the hope that negotiations on cross-strait day-to-day affairs can be resumed through cargo charter flights. It is also hoped that cross-strait negotiations on issues such as the establishment of a currency settlement mechanism, protection of the investments of Taiwanese businessmen in China, and avoidance of double-taxation for Taiwanese businessmen could be conducted. |
262. | May 16, 2005 | The "1992 Hong Kong Meeting" will Serve as the Foundation for the Resumption of Cross-Strait Negotiations. MAC reiterates in a press release that President Chen Shui-bian's recommendation to "make the achievements gained at the 1992 Hong Kong meeting the foundation for cross-strait relations" has been the most neutral description of the actual situation at that time. It should serve as an excellent foundation for the resumption of cross-strait talks at an appropriate time. |
263. | May 21, 2005 | Governments on Both Sides of the Straits Shall Negotiate on the Visits to Taiwan by Chinese Tourists. In an interview with the media, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu reiterates that the key to realizing the policy to allow "Category I Tourists" (Chinese people coming to Taiwan via Hong Kong and Macao) to visit Taiwan is for both sides of the Straits to conduct negotiations and make related arrangements. The negotiations must be conducted between both governments or in a form that is agreeable to both governments. |
264. | June 1, 2005 | Both Sides Should Conduct Negotiations Under the WTO Framework. MAC Spokesperson Michael Y.L. You indicates that both sides of the Straits are currently World Trade Organization (WTO) members. Negotiations must be made under the WTO framework. Therefore, we urge the Chinese authorities to face the reality that both Taiwan and China are members of the WTO. China should not attempt to define cross-strait negotiations as so-called "internal affairs." |
265. | June 3, 2005 | President Chen Shui-bian is Willing to Conduct Dialogue with Hu Jintao in a Third Country. While receiving Mr. Arthur Sulzberger Jr., Chairman and Publisher of the New York Times Company, and his wife, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that he is willing to meet with Chinese leader Mr. Hu Jintao in a third country to shake hands, reconcile and conduct dialogue, as long as no preconditions are set. The United States of America could be the best location or platform for this event. |
266. | June 3, 2005 | Taiwan is Willing to Provide Assistance to Chinese Farmers. MAC Vice-Chairman Michael Y.L. You indicates at a regular press briefing that Taiwan does not want to see the 900 million Chinese farmers continually live in adverse and impoverish conditions. These Chinese farmers account for one-seventh of the world's population. Taiwan is willing to help these farmers. We hope that the Chinese agricultural authorities will contact us and make arrangements as soon as possible. Through cross-strait negotiations, we hope to render timely and effective assistance to the Chinese farmers. |
267. | June 13, 2005 | Premier Frank Hsieh Announces Three Policy Declarations for Cross-strait Negotiations. While attending a gathering of Taiwanese businessmen's associations in China, Premier Frank Hsieh announces that the government will designate the Taipei Airlines Association to assist in making contacts and arrangements with China for the negotiations on cross-strait cargo charter flights under the principle that the charter flights will be "two-way, reciprocal, and non-stop." The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is also designated to assist in contacting and arranging the Taiwanese agricultural exports to China. Moreover, an appropriate agency will be entrusted to arrange the matter on the visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists. |
268. | June 22, 2005 | Communications Channels Between Both Sides of the Strait will be Restructured on the Basis of the "1992 Hong Kong Meeting". In an MAC press release, Chairman Jauhsieh Joseph Wu was quoted in an interview with the Voice of America as saying that President Chen Shui-bian publicly stated in March that he was willing to resume talks and negotiations with China on the foundation of the results obtained at the "1992 Hong Kong meeting." If China has goodwill toward Taiwan, it should use this concept to reconstruct the communication channels (i.e., the Straits Exchange Foundation and the Association for Relations across the Taiwan Strait) between both sides of the Straits. |
269. | July 6, 2005 | Both sides must conduct negotiations on combating crime as soon together possible. Premier Frank Hsieh indicates in an Executive Yuan session that both sides of the Taiwan Strait must seriously address the issue of jointly combating crime and conduct negotiations as soon as possible. Both sides should not let the cross-strait political situation create a shelter for criminals. |
270. | July 6, 2005 | It is hoped that China will conduct negotiations with the agency authorized by Taiwan. MAC Vice Chairman Michael Y. L. You indicates that the government welcomes any positive goodwill response on issues regarding cross-strait cargo and passenger charter flights, agricultural exports, and tourism. It is hoped that China will not only propagandize these issues, but show its sincerity through actions. If the Chinese authorities are sincere, then they should authorize a dependable institution to conduct related negotiations with the agency authorized by Taiwan. |
271. | July 22, 2005 | APEC is the best occasion for leaders from two sides to meet and engage in dialogue. While receiving Kim Jong-hoon, the special envoy of South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that the informal leaders' summit at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is not a political event. Therefore, it is the best platform and bridge to discuss regional economic cooperation and for leaders on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to meet and engage in dialogue. |
272. | July 28, 2005 | Government formally commissions an agency to negotiate with China about Taiwanese fruit exports to China. While attending a forum to discuss Taiwanese fruits exports to China, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu announces that the government has officially commissioned the Taiwan External Trade Development Center (TAITRA) to hold negotiations with China on matters related to the export of Taiwanese fruit to China. |
273. | Aug. 3, 2005 | Government approves negotiations with China on cargo and passenger charter flights. Premier Frank Hsieh announces the approval for implementing direct cross-strait cargo and passenger flights during special holidays, and authorizing certain agencies to conduct simultaneous negotiations with China on issues pertaining to cargo and passenger charter flights. |
274. | Aug. 10, 2005 | Reporters of two additional news agencies in China are allowed to station in Taiwan for news coverage. MAC issues a press release indicating that the government has officially announced that it will allow China's Southern Metropolis Daily and the Xinmin Evening News to station reporters in Taiwan for news coverage. Both news agencies can begin contacting the inviting agencies in Taiwan in accordance with the related regulations. |
275. | Sep. 2, 2005 | Negotiations on direct cargo and passenger charter flights will be further promoted. Premier Frank Hsieh indicates in an interview with Asahi Shimbun that Taiwan will further promote negotiations with China on direct cargo and passenger charter flights. He also states that after reaching an agreement with China, Taiwan will open its doors to Chinese tourists. Taiwan also intends to begin talks on the formulation of measures to counter cross-strait crime. |
276. | Sep. 2, 2005 | Taiwan will plan measures related to visits by Chinese tourists. MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the government has reached a strong consensus with the private sector in the planning of a comprehensive set of accompanying measures for the management and reception of Chinese tourists, to guarantee the quality and order of their visits to Taiwan. |
277. | Sep. 28, 2005 | It is hoped that China will work to improve cross-strait media exchanges. MAC issues a press release indicating that if the Chinese authorities are sincere in promoting cross-strait media exchanges, they should take specific steps and allow other local news agencies to station in Taiwan to cover news events. At the same time, they should remove unnecessary obstacles and blockades imposed on the websites of Taiwan China Times and United Daily News. This is the proper approach to take to improving cross-strait media exchanges. |
278. | Oct. 1, 2005 | Encouraging the People of China to Visit Taiwan. At the "Private Sector Leadership and Local Development Course" held by the Ketagalan Institute, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu notes that Taiwan's policy is to encourage the people of China to visit Taiwan so they can gain a better understanding of Taiwan. The government has planned and implemented the "Mini-Three-Links" in Kinmen and Matsu, relaxed restrictions on Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan, introduced cross-strait charter flights during the Lunar New Year, and permitted the Chinese media to station reporters in Taiwan. |
279. | Oct. 4, 2005 | SEF Expresses Condolences to Flood Victims in Fujian. The Straits Exchange Foundation issues a letter of condolance through the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait to disaster victims in the Fujian area following Typhoon Longwang. |
280. | Oct. 13, 2005 | Urging China to Seriously Consider Cross-Strait Negotiations. In an interview at the forum on "Old Challenges and New Developments in Asia Pacific Security," MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu notes that the negotiations currently proposed by Taiwan are beneficial not only to the people of Taiwan, but also to the people of China and to cross-strait relations. Therefore, China should seriously begin negotiations with Taiwan on various issues. |
281. | Oct. 21, 2005 | Welcoming China's Tourism Chief to Visit Taiwan. The MAC announces in a press release that Chairman Shao Qiwei of the China Tourism Association (CTA) will lead a visiting delegation to Taiwan at the invitation of the Taiwan Visitors Association on October 28, 2005, for a 10-day inspection tour of Taiwan's sightseeing sites and tourist facilities. The MAC welcomes the visiting delegation. |
282. | Oct. 28, 2005 | Relaxing Restrictions on Chinese Imports. At the first session of its regular bimonthly review of Chinese goods permitted for import to Taiwan, the Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs reaches an initial agreement to allow the import of 10 additional items from China, including roach bait and refined copper foil (not backed) of a thickness not exceeding 0.07cm. |
283. | Nov. 1, 2005 | Keeping an Open Mind of the Visit to Taiwan by China's Tourism Chief. China's National Tourism Administration (CNTA) Director Shao Qiwei plans to lead a delegation to Taiwan upon the invitation of the Taiwan Visitors Association (TVA). With the approval of the relevant authorities, the delegation has accepted the invitation to visit and inspect sightseeing sites in Taiwan. The Council appeals to the public to keep an open mind with regard to Director Shao visit. It also asks for the support in achieving an early realization of cross-strait tourism and mutual benefits for both sides. |
284. | Nov. 3, 2005 | Maintaining Constant Communication Across the Taiwan Strait. MAC Vice Chairman David W.F. Huang says that Pu Zhaozhou, director of the Office of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao Affairs of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, sent a letter to Taipei Airlines Association Chairman Tony Fan inviting the two sides to hold negotiations on the arrangement of cross-strait charter flights during the Lunar New Year holiday, including talks on cargo and passenger flights. MAC views Zhou's letter as proof of the tacit understanding established between the authorized units of the two sides during ongoing communication in the past year. |
285. | Nov. 4, 2005 | Entrusting a Private Organization to Hold Negotiations with China on Cargo and Passenger Charter Flights. In a press release, MAC notes that the promotion of cross-strait cargo and passenger charter flights is an established policy of the ROC government, and that MAC has already commissioned the Taipei Airlines Association to serve as the contact window for negotiations. In 2005, both sides reached a consensus on the "two-way, reciprocal and non-stop" approach, which led to the smooth implementation of the charter flights. This proves that as long as China and Taiwan can adhere to the same spirit and work together, both sides can complete negotiations earlier on the 2006 Lunar New Year charter flights as well as cross-strait cargo and passenger charter flights with satisfactory results. |
286. | Nov. 10, 2005 | Hoping that More People from China Visit Taiwan. In an interview with Korea's Arirang TV, President Chen Shui-bian expresses hope that more people from China can visit Taiwan so that the so-called eijing view of Taiwan or Taipei?will be adopted less often in the handling of cross-strait affairs. |
287. | Nov. 14, 2005 | SEF Sends a Letter to ARATS Welcoming Negotiations on Chun Yunlin's Taiwan Visit. The Straits Exchange Foundation sends a letter to the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait conveying hopes that the two sides can hold negotiations on the planned Taiwan visit by Chen Yunlin, director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office. The letter states that if the mainland side has difficulties coming to Taiwan, the Taiwan side can send a delegation to hold negotiations in China. |
288. | Dec. 1, 2005 | Welcoming Hong Kong's Wen Wei Po to Station Reporters in Taiwan. MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu announces that the government of Taiwan has allowed Hong Kong's Wen Wei Po to station reporters in Taiwan. The Council has completed the draft of related application procedures and invited Wen Wei Po to quickly complete the stationing process. The Council states that if other Hong Kong or China media are interested in stationing reporters in Taiwan, it would be happy to see such plans realized. |
289. | Dec. 2, 2005 | Approving Cross-Strait Charter Flights During the Lunar New Year Holiday. The Executive Yuan approves the operational measures for cross-strait charter flights during the 2006 Lunar New Year holiday. |
290. | Dec. 24, 2005 | Mourning the Passing of ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan. MAC expresses its condolences over the passing of Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait Chairman Wang Daohan at 7:00 a.m. on Dec. 24, 2005. The Council especially notes that the foundation laid by Koo Chen-fu and Wang Daohan is a great asset for both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The Council hopes that China will sincerely acknowledge the importance of cross-strait reconciliation and negotiation, so that the two sides can turn a new page in history for peace and development in the Taiwan Strait. |
291. | Jan. 3, 2006 | Kinmen-Xiamen Route Breaks 500,000 Passenger Mark. According to statistics compiled by the Kinmen Service Branch of the Immigration Office, National Police Agency, and the Kinmen Harbor Service Office, a total of 264,088 passenger trips were made from Kinmen to Xiamen in 2005, while the number of passengers traveling from Xiamen to Kinmen was 258,231, for a total of 518,719 trips both ways. |
292. | Jan. 7, 2006 | Immediate Cross-Strait Negotiations on Charter Flights and Visits to Taiwan by Chinese Tourists. MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that cross-strait negotiations need to be conducted soon in order to implement various management measures related to cross-strait cargo charter flights and allowing Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan. |
293. | Jan. 19, 2006 | "Mini-Three-Links" Expanded for Lunar New Year. The MAC states that in conjunction with the special project to expand the "mini-three-links" during the 2006 Lunar New Year holiday, residents of Kinmen and Matsu will not be required to join a group in order to use the links for travel to and from China between January 20 and February 13. |
294. | Feb. 3, 2006 | Cross-Strait Police Forces Join Hands to Take Down Drug Traffickers. The police forces on both sides of the Taiwan Strait cooperate to seize nearly 60 kilograms of heroine and uncover a major drug trafficking operation. |
295. | Feb. 8, 2006 | China Should Respond Soon on Arrangement of Negotiations on Cross-Strait Topics. The MAC issues a news release stating that Taiwan has completed the related plans for cross-strait passenger and cargo charter flights and allowing Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan. It has also designated a contact window for arranging and negotiating related matters with China. If China is sincere, it should respond concretely to Taiwan's proposal through mutually authorized windows and actively make arrangements for cross-strait negotiations on related issues soon. |
296. | Feb. 15, 2006 | Premier Su: Complete Liberalization of Cross-Strait Policy on Economic Matters. After a routine MAC briefing, Premier Su Tseng-chang states that Taiwan's cross-strait policy that involves matters strictly of economic interests and not issues of national sovereignty or cross-strait parity will be completely liberalized. |
297. | Feb. 15, 2006 | Kinmen-Xiamen Direct Links Popular with New Year's Travelers. According to statistics compiled by the Kinmen and Matsu harbor bureaus, 48,937 passenger trips were made between Kinmen and Xiamen during the 2006 Lunar New Year period, an increase of over 11,000 passengers, or 31%, over the same period in 2005. |
298. | Feb. 22, 2006 | China Urged to Promptly Conduct Negotiations with Taiwan on Charter Flights and Tourism. The MAC states in a news release that the Taiwanese government has established the policies to implement passenger and cargo charter flights and allow Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan through cross-strait negotiations, and repeats its appeal to China to conduct negotiations with Taiwan soon. |
299. | Mar. 1, 2006 | MAC Issues an Open Letter to Taiwanese Businesspeople in China. The MAC issues an open letter to Taiwanese businesspeople in China stating that the government of Taiwan has always hoped that the two governments across the Taiwan Strait can, under a reciprocal basis, conduct immediate negotiations on various issues encountered during cross-strait exchanges. Particularly issues that are related to the Taiwan business community and the rights and interests of the general public. In other words, both sides should prioritize negotiations on issues that benefit the Taiwan business community and the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. |
300. | Mar. 6, 2006 | China should not Avoid Government-to-Government Negotiations. In a special report to the Legislative Yuan, Premier Su Tseng-chang states that China should understand that the political party-to-political party era is over, and that Taiwan is a democratic country. The popularly elected government is the principal and true representative of Taiwan. If China wishes to engage in discussions with Taiwan, it should not select or single out a specific counterpart. China should definitely not avoid government-to-government negotiations. |
301. | Mar. 10, 2006 | Resolve Cross-Strait Differences Peacefully through Dialogue. In an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, President Chen Shui-bian states that cross-strait differences and disputes can be resolved peacefully only through dialogue. Under the principles of sovereignty, democracy, peace, and parity, Taiwan is willing to engage in contact, dialogue, and negotiation with the Chinese government any time and any where. |
302. | Mar. 11, 2006 | Hope China Resumes Dialogue with Taiwan. At a seminar on the "10th Anniversary of the Taiwan Strait Missile Crisis," MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu expresses hope that China can face up to the desire of the people on both sides for resuming dialogue and conduct negotiations with the government of Taiwan. |
303. | Mar. 14, 2006 | Taiwan Considers Relaxing Rules on Visits to Taiwan by Chinese Entertainers. Premier Su Tseng-chang states that promotion activities in Taiwan by Chinese entertainers can be treated as commercial activities, and that the government can study the possibility of relaxing related regulations. |
304. | Mar. 14, 2006 | Urge China to Renounce the "one China" Principle and Conduct Negotiations with the Government of Taiwan Soon. China should renounce its "one China" principle, engage in immediate official negotiations with the government of Taiwan, and seek a way to peacefully resolve cross-strait disputes. |
305. | Mar. 22, 2006 | Draft Management Measures to Strengthen Proactive Management and Effective Liberalization. The MAC and the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Council of Agriculture, Financial Supervisory Commission and other related authorities issued a joint statement on "Mechanisms for the 'Proactive Management and Effective Liberalization' of Cross-strait Economic and Trade Relations." |
306. | Mar. 31, 2006 | Police Forces on Both Sides Can Sign Accord to Jointly Combat Crime. During a policy interpellation at the Legislative Yuan, Premier Su Tseng-chang states his approval of the signing of a mutual accord between the police authorities on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. As long as it is beneficial to joint cross-strait crime fighting and cooperation does not involve political ideologies, the accord can serve as a good management channel for joint crime fighting. |
307. | Apr. 12, 2006 | Holding Cross-Strait Negotiations on Institutionalized Charter Flights. Premier Su Tseng-chang states at an Executive Yuan meeting that with regard to cross-strait cargo charter flights and institutionalized holiday or weekend charter flights, Taiwan can maintain an open attitude and will not exclude any possibilities as long as both sides make proper arrangements after engaging in negotiations. |
308. | Apr. 13, 2006 | Preserving Stability in the Taiwan Strait through Cross-Strait Negotiations. In a meeting with U.S. Congressman John Linder, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that the government hopes to improve cross-strait relations through opening-up policies, including the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists and the implementation of cross-strait cargo and passenger charter flights, thereby preserving stability in the Taiwan Strait and Asia Pacific region. |
309. | Apr. 14, 2006 | China should Resume Dialogues and Negotiations with the Taiwanese Government as Soon as Possible. The MAC issues a three-point formal declaration emphasizing that the Taiwanese government has maintained an open attitude toward various issues. These include: visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists, cargo and passenger charter flights, Taiwanese agricultural exports to China, repatriation of criminals and economic offenders, investment protection for Taiwanese businessmen in China, and intellectual property rights. Moreover, Taiwan has been willing to conduct pragmatic negotiations with China on related problems. Since these issues involve the exercise of government authority, their negotiations have to be conducted under the government's guidance in accordance with the law. China should adopt a positive attitude as soon as possible to resume dialogues and negotiations with Taiwan. This is aimed at initiating normalized cross-strait exchanges and interactions. |
310. | Apr. 20, 2006 | Taiwanese Government Remains Open to Direct Cross-Strait Dialogue without Preconditions. In an article entitled "We Believe in Democracy" published in the Wall Street Journal, President Chen Shui-bian stresses that the Taiwanese government remains open to direct cross-strait dialogue without preconditions. As for functional issues such as charter flights, tourism and investment protection for Taiwanese businessmen in China, the government is willing to engage in dialogues and negotiations with China to achieve peaceful solutions through peaceful means. |
311. | Apr. 25, 2006 | Three Measures to Open up Cross-Strait Exchanges. Premier Su Tseng-chang announces that from May 1, 2006, Kinmen and Matsu residents and their relatives residing on Taiwan will be allowed to visit China via Kinmen or Matsu. Moreover, a transportation route will be opened between Kinmen and Quanzhou from June; and China will be invited to conduct a "joint sea rescue exercise." |
312. | May 9, 2006 | Both Sides across the Strait should Conduct Government-to-Government Dialogues and Negotiations. During his visit to Costa Rica, President Chen Shui-bian delivers a speech at the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Central and South American Chapter of the Global Alliance for Democracy and Peace (GADP). He emphasizes that both sides of the Taiwan Strait should engage in government-to-government dialogues and negotiations and actively seek to establish an effective mechanism for interactions and exchanges in order to overcome their differences, build mutual trust, and resolve issues. Only by so doing, will it be possible for both sides to enhance the welfare of the people across the Strait and to meet the expectations of the international community. |
313. | May 17, 2006 | China should Make a Concrete Reply to Taiwan's Proposal and Actively Conduct Negotiations on Related Issues. The MAC issues a press release indicating that Taiwan has commissioned relevant organizations to conduct communication and liaison with their Chinese counterparts on the issues of the promotion of cross-strait cargo and passenger charter flights, the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists, and China's intention to import Taiwan's agricultural products. The MAC appeals to China to show its sincerity by respecting and promptly making a concrete reply to Taiwan's proposal through the windows designated by both sides, and by actively arranging for the holding of cross-strait negotiations on related issues. |
314. | May 29, 2006 | Easing Restrictions on Cultural, and Educational and Professional Exchanges by Chinese Professionals. The MAC Council Meeting discusses and approves a measure to allow Chinese professionals to visit Taiwan to engage in commercial activities related to cultural, educational and professional exchanges. Mass media professionals will be allowed to come to Taiwan to conduct reasonable and necessary publicity activities, and can hold press conferences and be interviewed by media agencies (including newspapers, magazines, television and radio) on issues related to the permitted purpose of their visit. |
315. | June 14, 2006 | Implementing Four Types of Specialized Charter Flights. The MAC issues a press release stating that to promote cross-strait negotiations on cargo and passenger charter flights, the responsible authorities on both sides have agreed to first implement four types of specialized charter flights on which they have reached a consensus. These include: specialized cargo charter flights, institutionalization of holiday passenger charter flights, charter flights for emergency medical treatment, and special humanitarian charter flights for emergency relief and disable (or ill) persons. |
316. | July 28, 2006 | CSDTE reaches major conclusions on cross-strait economic and trade relations. The Panel on Global Deployment and Cross-strait Economic and Trade Relations at the Conference on Sustainable Development of Taiwan's Economy (CSDTE) reaches several major conclusions, including:
- Cross-strait risk management mechanisms should be strengthened.
- Restrictions on local enterprises inviting Chinese businesspeople to Taiwan should be suitably loosened; and the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists should be promoted.
- China-bound investment policy should continue to be carried out under effective risk management.
- Financial-sector interaction between Taiwan and China should be facilitated progressively.
- Regular direct cross-strait flights should be initiated when conditions are appropriate and in tandem with comprehensive planning and coordinating measures.
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317. | July 27, 2006 | Cross-strait dialogue is the important basis for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region. In a meeting with members of an aid planning group visiting Taiwan from the U.S.-based German Marshall Fund, President Chen Shui-bian states that over the past six years, Taiwan has always hoped to be able to resume dialogue with China. However, Beijing has repeatedly refused to talk with the popular-elected Taiwanese government. He states that cross-strait dialogue is still the most important basis for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region. |
318. | July 30, 2006 | Making efforts to promote negotiations on substantive issues. In a press conference on "Cross-strait Economic and Trade Issues after the Conference on Sustainable Development of Taiwan's Economy," MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu emphasizes that the MAC will push forward with negotiations on substantive issues such as cross-strait charter flights and the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists and will try to gain concrete results. |
319. | Aug. 4, 2006 | Negotiations on Chen Yunlin's visit to Taiwan under the principle of mutual respect. MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that if Chen Yunlin is to visit Taiwan, his itinerary will need to be discussed in advance and both sides must interact under the principle of mutual respect. He says that with regard to Chen Yunlin's visit, Premier Su Tseng-chang has stated that cross-strait interactions should be based on mutual benefit, reciprocity, and mutual respect. |
320. | Aug. 23, 2006 | Making efforts to negotiate with China on non-sensitive issues. In a meeting with parliamentarian Engelbert Wistuba of Germany's Social Democratic Party, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that the Taiwanese government is now making efforts to resume negotiations with China on politically non-sensitive issues. He notes that there have been considerable achievements on charter flight issues, and the government is actively promoting the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. It is hoped that negotiations will be resumed soon and that cross-strait negotiations on other substantive issues can be continued in future, so as to improve cross-strait relations gradually. |
321. | Aug. 25, 2006 | Establishing the TSTA for negotiations on promoting tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. The MAC issues a press release indicating that in order to implement and promote the policy of opening up tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists, the Taiwanese government has decided to establish the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association (TSTA). The TSTA will facilitate follow-up communications and contacts with China and assist in arranging cross-strait negotiations and other related matters. The TSTA held a donor conference on August 27, 2006 at which Hsu Wensheng, director-general of the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, was elected as chairman of the board (known externally as "President") |
322. | Sep. 5, 2006 | Writing thrice to request China to negotiate on Chen Yunlin's visit to Taiwan. Regarding the application filed by China's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Chen Yunlin and other Chinese officials for their visit to Taiwan, the MAC stresses that Taiwan has thrice entrusted the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) to write the Association for Relations across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS), requesting it to relay Taiwan's position and opinions to the Chinese authorities. However, Taiwan has not yet received any reply letter from the Chinese authorities. (On September 8, 2006 the Immigration Office of the National Police Agency under the Ministry of the Interior decided after review to refuse Chen Yunlin's application for entry into Taiwan. The MAC again expresses regret over Beijing's actions, which clearly show no goodwill to improve cross-strait relations.) |
323. | Sep. 13, 2006 | Urging China to engage in cross-strait negotiations with an open, candid, and non-evasive attitude. The MAC issues a press release indicating that since negotiations involve two-way interactions, the government has promoted cross-strait negotiations under the principle and attitude of active responsibility. The MAC urges China to actually keep its promise to engage in substantive negotiations with Taiwan under an open, candid and non-evasive attitude through formal negotiation channels across the Strait. This is aimed at establishing a regular mechanism to resolve issues and truly protecting the rights and interests of the Taiwanese people. |
324. | Sep. 14, 2006 | Chinese media professionals can come to Taiwan for certain promotional activities. The Ministry of the Interior announces regulations governing the visits to Taiwan by Chinese professionals for professional activities. In future Chinese mass media professionals coming to Taiwan for the purpose of visits, news coverage, film shooting as well as film production will be allowed to engage in necessary promotional activities, including the holding of press conferences in accordance with the permitted purpose of their respective visit and receiving media interviews. |
325. | Sep. 20, 2006 | Beijing should conduct direct negotiations with the Taiwanese government. MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that major portions of the consensus reached at the talk between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese National Party (KMT) are items that the Chinese authorities should already have taken internal actions to make improvements. Moreover, Beijing needs to conduct direct negotiations with the Taiwanese government in order to achieve results on signing a Taiwanese Businessmen Investment Protection Agreement. |
326. | Oct. 4, 2006 | Urging China to engage in negotiations with Taiwan's popularly-elected government on substantive issues. In a meeting with a delegation composed of German parliamentarians, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu reiterates that it has been the government's consistent policy to open up tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. It is hoped that negotiations can be completed at the soonest possible time. Taiwan therefore urges China to engage in dialogue and negotiations with Taiwan's popularly-elected government on substantive issues. This will be a fundamental approach to improving cross-strait relations. |
327. | Oct. 12, 2006 | Promoting the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. In a meeting with German parliamentarians, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that at present the Taiwanese government is dedicated to opening up tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. It hopes that the visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists will enable the Chinese people to have firsthand experience of Taiwan's democratic and pluralistic society. |
328. | Oct. 13, 2006 | Hoping for the prompt resumption of cross-strait dialogue. In a meeting with Johannes Andreas Pflug, member of the German Parliament, President Chen Shui-bian emphasizes his hope that both sides of the Strait can resume dialogue as soon as possible; and that the Chinese authorities should face up to the fact that Taiwan is a sovereign country and resume dialogue with Taiwan as soon as possible so that cross-strait relations can be normalized at the soonest possible time. |
329. | Oct. 14, 2006 | Engaging in negotiations on related issues under the WTO framework. During an interview by Radio Taiwan International, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that both China and Taiwan are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO). They should conduct negotiations on related products or matters and the protection of intellectual property rights under the WTO framework. |
330. | Oct. 14, 2006 | Continuing to promote negotiations on substantive issues. In a meeting with senators of Australia's governing party, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the Taiwanese government continues to promote negotiations on substantive issues to improve cross-strait relations. At present, concrete progress has been achieved on the charter flight issue, and consensus has been reached with China on four types of specialized charter flights. Currently, Taiwan is actively negotiating with China on the issue of opening up tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. |
331. | Oct. 20, 2006 | Engaging in reciprocal cross-strait negotiations. During a question-and-answer session in the Legislative Yuan, Premier Su Tseng-chang states that the government adopts a positive, open, and mutually beneficial attitude toward the issues of cross-strait tourism, direct transportation links and financial exchanges. However, reciprocal negotiations are still required in areas involving government authority. |
332. | Oct. 20, 2006 | Urging China to facilitate negotiations by not defining cross-strait flight routes as domestic routes. MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu states that it is the government's established policy to promote cross-strait "Three Links." China's definition of cross-strait flight routes as domestic routes according to its domestic laws creates a barrier to negotiations on cross-strait direct transportation links. China should first remove this obstacle to facilitate the negotiations in this regard. |
333. | Nov. 1, 2006 | Urging Chinese leaders to engage in contacts, dialogue and negotiations with the democratically elected leadership of Taiwan. In a meeting with U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, President Chen Shui-bian expresses his hope that the Chinese leaders can engage in contacts, dialogue and negotiations with the democratically elected leadership of Taiwan. |
334. | Nov. 2, 2006 | Completing negotiations on technical issues concerning the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that, the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association has completed negotiations with China's Cross-Strait Tourism Exchange Association on technical issues concerning the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. |
335. | Nov. 14, 2006 | Continuing to promote negotiations on substantive issues. In a meeting with senators of Australia's governing party, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu expresses that the Taiwanese government continues to promote negotiations on substantive issues to improve cross-strait relations. At present, Taiwan has reached consensus with China on four types of specialized charter flights. Currently, Taiwan is actively negotiating with China on the issue of opening up tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. |
336. | Dec. 29, 2006 | Promoting the policy of easing restrictions on China-bound investments in producing 8-inch wafers using Taiwan's wafer technologies. The MAC issues a statement on the policy of lifting restrictions on China-bound investments in producing eight-inch wafers using Taiwan's 0.18-micron process technologies in place of the older 0.25-micron process technologies. In view of according with international norms and the fact that the advantages for the semiconductor industry outweigh the disadvantages, as well as other considerations, the Taiwanese government has agreed to effectively manage matters related to equipment export and technology transfers by Taiwanese wafermakers that have established plants in China under accompanying management measures established by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and relevant agencies. |
337. | Jan. 8, 2007 | Conducting the Third Cross-Strait Discussion on Opening up Tourism in Taiwan for Chinese Tourists. The Beijing-based Cross-Strait Tourism Exchange Association (CTEA) and the Taipei-based Taiwan Strait Tourism Association (TSTA) conduct the third technical discussion on issues related to the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. |
338. | Jan. 10, 2007 | Urging Both Sides to Promptly Conduct Negotiations on the Joint Cross-Strait Crackdown on Crime. In an interview, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu expresses hope that the Chinese authorities can conduct negotiations with Taiwan on the issue of the joint cross-strait crackdown on crime as soon as possible so as to establish a systematic cooperation mechanism. |
339. | Jan. 17, 2007 | Holding Talks on Establishing an Institutionalized Mechanism for the Joint Cross-Strait Crackdown on Crime. The MAC issues a press release emphasizing that Taiwan hopes both sides of the Taiwan Strait can jointly crack down on crime in a truly effective manner. Taiwan urges the Beijing authorities to show sincerity by holding discussions with Taiwan on establishing an institutionalized mechanism so as to realize the objective of the joint cross-strait crackdown on crime. |
340. | Jan. 19, 2007 | Hoping that China will Allow All Chinese Netizens to Freely Gain Access to Taiwanese Websites. The MAC issues a press release expressing hope that the Chinese authorities will allow all Chinese netizens to gain access to Taiwanese websites so that all of them may directly and freely obtain news resources from such sites, thus gaining a real understanding of Taiwan. |
341. | Jan. 29, 2007 | Holding the Fourth Cross-Strait Technical Discussion on Opening up Tourism in Taiwan for Chinese Tourists. The Beijing-based Cross-Strait Tourism Exchange Association (CTEA) and the Taipei-based Taiwan Strait Tourism Association (TSTA) hold the fourth technical discussion on matters related to the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. Both sides extensively exchange views on various issues and reach consensus on several items. |
342. | Feb. 15, 2007 | Promoting Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Exchanges Under the Principle of "Taiwan First". The MAC announces a "Combined Analysis Report on Public Opinion Surveys on Cross-Strait Relations in 2006," indicating that the majority of the public supports the view that the government should slightly tighten restrictions on China-bound investments by Taiwanese businesspeople and promote cross-strait economic and trade exchanges under the principles of "Taiwan first" and "overall national interests." |
343. | Feb. 15, 2007 | Relaxing Restrictions on Visits to Taiwan by Chinese Professionals. The MAC approves draft revisions to some stipulations of the "Permit Regulations Governing the Entry of Mainland Area Professionals into Taiwan for Professional Activities." The revisions will relax restrictions on visits to Taiwan by Chinese professionals in the fields of religion, industrial technology, sports, and mass media, as well as related regulations on dependents accompanying such visitors to Taiwan. |
344. | Mar. 2, 2007 | Revising Regulations on Opening up Tourism in Taiwan for Chinese Tourists. The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications jointly promulgate the revised "Permit Regulations Governing the Sightseeing Activities in Taiwan by Chinese Tourists." |
345. | Mar. 21, 2007 | Holding the Fifth Cross-Strait Technical Discussion on Opening up Tourism in Taiwan for Chinese Tourists. MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states that Taiwan is now negotiating with China on the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. Both sides across the Strait have held five technical discussions and another such discussion will be held. |
346. | Apr. 11, 2007 | Appealing to China to Promptly Conduct Negotiations with the Taiwanese Government. The MAC issues a press release on China's establishment of a nation-wide organization for the Taiwanese businesspeople and the upcoming "Third Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum" held by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Communist Party of China (CPC). It emphasizes that if China is sincere about implementing protections for the rights and interests of Taiwanese businesspeople, the most important task for China is to promptly conduct negotiations with Taiwan government. The MAC also urges that in the current phase the Chinese authorities should promptly engage in cross-strait negotiations with Taiwan on the issues of tourism and charter flights so that related policies can be concretely implemented at an early date. |
347. | Apr. 12, 2007 | Actively Promoting Cross-Strait Exchanges. MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that it is the MAC chairman's duty to safeguard Taiwan's sovereignty and dignity and ensure the security of the life and property of the 23 million Taiwanese people. At the same time, the MAC chairman should actively promote cross-strait economic, trade, cultural, educational and social exchanges under the precondition of ensuring the proper management of national security. |
348. | May 3, 2007 | Studying and Discussing the Extension of Chinese Students?Stays for Cultural and Educational Exchanges. At the Central Standing Committee of the Democratic Progressive Party, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong presents a written report indicating that there is a need to review restrictions on Chinese students studying in Taiwan. He proposes three related plans for the government to promote in the initial stage, including extending to one year the allowable period of stay for Chinese students visiting Taiwan for cultural and educational exchange activities. |
349. | May 10, 2007 | President Chen Shui-bian is Willing to Invite Hu Jintao to Visit Taiwan. In an interview with Rich Jaroslovsky, executive editor of the U.S.-based Bloomberg News, President Chen Shui-bian states that, "If China is sincere, and Chinese President Hu Jintao shares this wish, President Chen is very willing, on behalf of the Taiwanese government and people, to invite Hu to visit Taiwan." |
350. | May 14, 2007 | Taiwan is Willing to Positively Negotiate with China on the Olympic Torch Relay Route to Taiwan. In a speech announcing the appointment of the new Premier of Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian hopes that negotiations to allow Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan and to establish cargo charter flights between both sides of the Taiwan Strait can be promptly completed. He also hopes that negotiations can be held on allowing the Olympic torch to come to Taiwan, but on the precondition that Taiwan's sovereign status is not downgraded. |
351. | May 18, 2007 | Appealing for the Prompt Completion of Negotiations on Cross-strait Tourism. At a regular MAC press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu expresses hope that China will act pragmatically, face the problems, and work with Taiwan to address unresolved issues in consultations on allowing Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan as soon as possible. |
352. | June 4, 2007 | Calling for the Resumption of Negotiations on Three Issues. In an interview with Hong Kong's China News Agency, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong indicates that, in his present capacity, he has twice requested that China resume negotiations with Taiwan on the three issues of allowing Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan, passenger charter flights and cargo charter flights, and is waiting for a reply from China. Taiwan also is willing to resume negotiations with China on the relay route of the 2008 Olympic torch to Taiwan and is presently waiting for Beijing to present a new plan. |
353. | June 13, 2007 | Willingness to Promptly Resume Negotiations with China on the Olympic Torch Relay Route to Taiwan. The MAC issues a press release emphasizing that if China shows sincerity and offers a plan for resolution, Taiwan is willing to promptly resume negotiations with China on the matter of the Olympic torch coming to Taiwan. |
354. | June 20, 2007 | Taiwan is Willing to Hold Cross-Strait Dialogue and Negotiations Without Setting Any Political Preconditions. At the hosted for the 2007 Dragon Boat Festival gathering of the Taiwan businessmen's associations, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung indicates that, in consideration of the shared interests of both sides of the Taiwan Strait, the government is willing to engage in cross-strait dialogue and negotiations with China on any issue so long as Beijing does not set any political preconditions and conducts interactions based on mutual respect. |
355. | July 20, 2007 | Establishing an Institutionalized Platform for Coordination in Cross-Strait Emergency Incidents as Soon as Possible. Regarding a car accident involving members of a Taiwanese tour group in Shandong Province, the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) issues a press release urging China, from a humanitarian position, to promptly establish an institutionalized platform for coordination between the SEF and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait on emergency incidents, so as to facilitate mutual reporting, coordination and handling of related affairs, and thereby protect the rights and interests of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. |
356. | Aug. 3, 2007 | Hoping the Cross-Strait Tourism Negotiations can be Completed.
At a press conference, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason expresses hope that both sides of the Taiwan Strait can complete negotiations on cross-strait tourism, and that China will as soon as possible include Taiwan on the list of countries or areas open to visits by Chinese persons. |
357. | Sep. 7, 2007 | Hoping Beijing will Sign the Agreement with Taiwan on the Olympic Torch Relay Route through Taiwan as Soon as Possible. MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong expresses hope that China will as soon as possible sign the agreement with Taiwan based on the cross-strait consensus regarding the arrangements for the Beijing Olympic Torch relay route through Taiwan and not raise new conditions in this regard. |
358. | Sep. 14, 2007 | Settling Cross-Strait Disputes by Dialogue through a Collective Security Mechanism. In a videoconference with the Overseas Press Club of America, President Chen Shui-bian states that the disputes in the Taiwan Strait must be settled by a collective security mechanism through peaceful dialogue. If Taiwan becomes a member of the United Nations, a broader and more stable mechanism for dialogue and negotiations could then be established. Such a mechanism would be conducive to reducing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. |
359. | Oct. 15, 2007 | Engaging in formal cross-strait negotiations without setting any premises or preconditions. The MAC issues a press release urging China to clearly understand the history and reality that both sides of the Taiwan Strait have no jurisdiction over each other, to abandon its "one China" framework, to abolish the "anti-separation law," to stop suppressing Taiwan in the international arena, and to withdraw its military deployment targeting Taiwan. It also urges China to engage in formal negotiations with Taiwan's democratically elected government as soon as possible without setting preconditions to facilitate the normal development of cross-strait relations and the elimination of hostility across the Taiwan Strait, so as to achieve true peace and stability across the Strait. |
360. | Oct. 17, 2007 | Removing the "one China" framework to hold cross-strait talks at an early date. During an interpellation at the Legislative Yuan, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong indicates that Taiwan would welcome the holding of cross-strait talks at an early date so long as the Beijing authorities do not set any preconditions and remove the "one China" framework. |
361. | Oct. 26, 2007 | Urging Hu Jintao to resume talks with Taiwan to implement his political report delivered at the 17th CPC National Congress. At a symposium on the "New Cross-Strait Situation after the 17th CPC National Congress," MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that peaceful development is the shared language of both sides of the Taiwan Strait. President Chen Shui-bian proposed this long ago, and Hu Jintao also made a response. If Beijing can remove its frameworks and not set any premises or preconditions, Taiwan welcomes China to hold dialogue with Taiwan on peaceful and stable development. MAC Chairman Chen urges that if Beijing truly wishes to realize the "three benefits" stated in Hu's political report issued at the 17th CPC National Congress, it should resume negotiations with Taiwan on passenger and cargo charter flights and on the opening up of Taiwan to Chinese tourists. |
362. | Nov. 2, 2007 | Both sides should engage in negotiations based on parity and the "spirit of 1992." During a question-and-answer session at the Legislative Yuan, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung indicates that the spirit of 1992 is that both sides of the Taiwan Strait should set aside their disputes, establish peaceful and stable relations based on the position of equal sovereignty, and coordinate with each other on the basis of parity. Both sides across the Strait can sit down and hold dialogue. The "one China" principle can be discussed as an issue, but it cannot be treated as a conclusion. |
363. | Nov. 2, 2007 | The government will still positively urge the Chinese authorities to resume dialogue and negotiations with Taiwan. MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates at a press conference that China has kept on paying lip service to eliminating the state of hostility through cross-strait negotiations and to signing a peace agreement with Taiwan; however, it has as usual not abandoned its military deployment and intimidation against Taiwan. Beijing has even formulated an "anti-separation law" and has attempted to lure Taiwan into accepting all kinds of snares designed by China with the aim of annihilating Taiwan. In the future, in accordance with the national interests and the people's wishes, the Taiwanese government will continue to positively and pragmatically push the Chinese authorities to resume mutual dialogue and negotiations with the Taiwanese government on issues of concern to both sides respectively and establish a peaceful and stable framework for cross-strait interactions, so that the development of cross-strait relations will move towards normalization. |
364. | Nov. 8, 2007 | Discussing cross-strait political issues face-to-face. At the award presentation ceremony for the Award for News Reporting on Cross-Strait Relations, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that if cross-strait relations are to be further normalized, both sides need to sit down face-to-face and discuss political issues. Taiwan absolutely cannot accept the "one China" framework set by the Beijing authorities. |
365. | Dec. 7, 2007 | Adhering to the principles of sovereignty, democracy, peace and parity to continue promoting exchange policies. Attending the "International Symposium on the 20th Anniversary of the Opening of Cross-Strait Exchanges," Premier Chang Chun-hsiung indicates during his opening remarks that in recent years, the government has adhered to the principles of sovereignty, democracy, peace and parity when formulating cross-strait policies. Under the precondition of upholding Taiwan-centric consciousness, the Taiwanese government has continued promoting cross-strait exchange policies. |
367. | Jan. 1, 2008 | Appealing to the Beijing authorities to remove the barriers to dialogue-"one China framework". Responding to President Chen Shui-bian's New Year's Day Address, the MAC addresses the following appeals to the Beijing authorities:
1.We appeal to the Beijing authorities to remove the political obstacle created by the "one China framework" so as to begin peaceful cross-strait dialogue and promote cross-strait development.
2.We appeal to the Beijing authorities to stop political considerations and to promptly resume negotiations on the many technical matters regarding cross-strait economic and trade exchanges. |
368. | Jan. 2, 2008 | Holding cross-strait negotiations based on parity. In an interview with Sebastien Le Belzic, special correspondent in Beijing for the international news station France 24, President Chen Shui-bian states that if both sides want to have contacts, dialogues, and negotiations, China must respect the fact and status quo that Taiwan is a sovereign country. Furthermore, cross-strait negotiations must be conducted based on parity. They cannot be based on big versus small, nor can they be based on the assertion that the Beijing authorities are the central government, while the Taipei side is only a local government. |
369. | Jan. 8, 2008 | Removing the "one China framework" to activate peaceful cross-strait dialogue. At a year-end press conference, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that Taiwan appeals to the Beijing authorities to remove the political obstacle created by the "one China framework" so as to begin peaceful cross-strait dialogue and promote cross-strait development. Looking ahead to a brand-new year, we appeal to China to resume negotiations as soon as possible on technical matters that involve the rights and interests of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and to stop incessant politically-motivated interferences and delays. This is the only way to truly safeguard the basic rights and interests of the people on both sides across the Strait and to take resolute strides toward cross-strait peace and development. |
370. | Jan. 21, 2008 | Studying to allow Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan on international cruise ships on a special case-by-case basis. MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that the MAC is studying a model for opening up tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. It is planning to allow Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan on international cruise ships via a third country. |
371. | Feb. 27, 2008 | Quickly resuming negotiations on three issues. In an interview with the media, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that if China is truly sincere, it should quickly resume negotiations on the three issues -passenger charter flights, cargo charter flights and tourism. |
372. | Mar. 7, 2008 | Cross-strait dialogues and negotiations under four principles. In an interview with Ichikawa Hayami, editor-in-chief of the international edition of Japan's Asahi Shimbun, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan has proposed four principles for cross-strait dialogues and negotiations, including sovereignty, democracy, peace and parity. |
373. | Mar. 18, 2008 | Willing to conduct negotiations based on parity on issues of mutual concern to both sides. The MAC issues a press release solemnly reiterating that the government is willing to engage in negotiations with China based on parity on issues of mutual concern after the presidential election. However, the government cannot accept China's unilaterally-established precondition of "one China." |
374. | Mar. 20, 2008 | Gradually resuming cross-strait negotiations. While attending a press conference held by the Government Information Office of the Executive Yuan for international media visiting Taiwan to observe the presidential election, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that after the presidential election there will be an opportunity for a relaxation of the political confrontation in cross-strait relations. To deal with the changing situation, China is likely to gradually resume negotiations and interactions that it unilaterally broke off, creating an opportunity for both sides to reestablish mutual trust. |
375. | Mar. 27, 2008 | Holding negotiations under the principles of "parity, dignity, mutual benefit". The MAC issues a press release urging the Chinese government to face up to Taiwan's democratic system, acknowledge the fact of the existence of the Republic of China and, under the principles of "parity, dignity, mutual benefit" and based on the existing negotiations, remove China unilaterally-established political preconditions and barriers, and actively and pragmatically join Taiwan in establishing a cross-strait platform for substantive dialogues and exchanges so as to resolve mutual differences and address major issues that both sides show their respective concerns. |