Subjects:´Taichung Ching Chuan Kang Airport will be Used for Charter Flights between Taiwan and Hong Kong

´Negotiations on the Visits to Taiwan by Chinese Tourists

´President Chen Extends Goodwill to China in Miami

´Charter Flights to Hong Kong From Taichung Ching Chuan Kang Airport

 MAC Regular Press Briefing

STATEMENT & ANNOUNCEMENT

Taichung Ching Chuan Kang Airport will be Used for Charter Flights between Taiwan and Hong Kong

VICE CHAIRMAN YOU:

■ The Taiwanese government has approved the application of Hong Kong-based HeliExpress to operate charter flights between Hong Kong and Taichung. The review process was strictly technical and certain obstacles were overcome. The application was approved in consideration of providing convenience to the public. No political motives were involved in the process.

■ The application for Taiwanese airlines to operate the charter flights has not been approved by the Hong Kong side. It is still difficult to make an accurate assessment of the reason. The airline companies are still trying to investigate and communicate with the Hong Kong side. However, we hope that the Hong Kong SAR government would consider the matter from the technical aspect, and approve the applications of the Taiwanese airline companies as soon as possible based on the principle of reciprocity.

■ The Taiwanese government has overcome the difficulties and ultimately facilitated the implementation of direct charter flights between Taichung Ching Chuan Kang Airport and Hong Kong. This shows the utmost sincerity of the Taiwanese government. The maiden Taichung-bound charter flight was implemented by the Hong Kong-based HeliExpress on September 3, 2005. The direct charter flights between Taichung and Hong Kong could further enhance civic exchanges between Taiwan and Hong Kong and would be conducive to the development of bilateral relations. It is hoped that Hong Kong could pragmatically consider the application of the Taiwanese airline companies on the grounds of mutual benefit and reciprocity.

Negotiations on the Visits to Taiwan by Chinese Tourists

■ The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has maintained close contact with the Travel Agent Association of the R.O.C., Taiwan (TAAT) and the Taiwan Visitors Association. Both associations have a clear understanding of the government’s related policies and they report any of their interactions with the Chinese authorities to the government. The media reports about the deliberate concealment of the plan of China National Tourism Association’s visit to Taiwan are contrary to the facts.

■ With regard to the planned visit to Taiwan by the China National Tourism Association, no civic organization has submitted any application as of now. Once an application has been submitted, the related government agencies will certainly review the application in accordance with the related regulations.

■ The government has already authorized the TAAT to assist in contacting and arranging cross-strait negotiations on the visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists. At present, the Association has been actively contacting and communicating with China’s authorized representative on matters related to the negotiations. We will make an announcement once there is any substantive result. It is hoped that various sectors and media will not make any unnecessary assumptions to avoid causing any interference to the cross-strait negotiations.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

President Chen Extends Goodwill to China in Miami

QUESTION: In an address delivered by President Chen Shui-bian at a dinner function organized by the overseas Taiwanese community in Miami a few days ago, he indicated that he was “willing to hold a dialogue with the Chinese leader any time and any place without setting any preconditions.” Was MAC aware of this matter beforehand? Does the expression “without setting any preconditions” means that it also includes the premise that “Taiwan is a part of China?”

VICE CHAIRMAN YOU:
■ The President is the highest decision maker of Taiwan’s policy toward China. President Chen’s statement this time is an expression of his consistent position. The expression “without setting any preconditions, means that President Chen was urging China to refrain from setting any preconditions so that the leaders on both sides of the Strait can engage in rational dialogues and negotiations as soon as possible. This is the most effective approach to solving the long-term differences that have existed across the Strait.

■ President Chen’s statement has completely revealed the main reason behind the current problems between both sides of the Strait. The crux of the matter lies in China’s unilateral set up of preconditions and refusal to sit down and talk. This has also defied the expectations of the international community. For example, U.S. President George Bush has repeatedly urged the Chinese authorities to resume direct dialogues with Taiwan’s popularly-elected government as soon as possible. This is aimed at resolving cross-strait differences and building peace and stability across the Strait.

QUESTION: The expression “setting any preconditions” is interpreted as the call for China to refrain from setting any preconditions? Is this MAC’s interpretation, or is it President Chen’s interpretation?

VICE CHAIRMAN YOU: The statements made by President Chen Shui-bian regarding cross-strait policy over the past five years have repeatedly emphasized that both sides of the Strait must set aside their disputes and conduct pragmatic negotiations. The greatest obstacle to cross-strait negotiations is Beijing’s repeated set up of unnecessary preconditions, including the “one China” principle, the “1992 Consensus,” and the “anti-independence” rhetoric. If China continues such actions, then it would be impossible for the leaders on both sides to rationally conduct dialogues and negotiations within the foreseeable future. In fact, President Chen has expressed his views very clearly, that is China should not set any preconditions and should face long-term cross-strait issues with an open mind.

Charter Flights to Hong Kong From Taichung Ching Chuan Kang Airport

QUESTION: Will the charter flights policy governing related flights from Taichung Ching Chuan Kang Airport to Hong Kong be adjusted?

VICE CHAIRMAN YOU: This depends on the market demand. However, such an air route would benefit civic exchanges between Taiwan and Hong Kong. This policy will not be changed.

QUESTION: If Hong Kong fails to extend its goodwill, how shall we mange this matter?

VICE CHAIRMAN YOU: Currently the airline companies are investigating the possible reasons and have been continually negotiating with the Hong Kong SAR government. MAC will not make any assumptions, but we will handle the case depending on the circumstances.