January 13, 1999
MAC Chairman Chang King-yuh says he expects to see that SEF-ARATS communicate and make arrangements to facilitate Wang's Taiwan visit at an early date.
January 20, 1999
William Li, before departing for Macau to assume office as the ROC representative to Macau, says he hopes Mainland China will treat Taiwan-Macau relations in a pragmatic manner and retain the present model of contacts, which will be in the interests of the people of the two sides.
January 27, 1999
The ROC establishes diplomatic relations with Macedonia.
January 29, 1999
Regarding Qian's remarks that the Taiwan issue can not be postponed indefinitely, MAC Chairman Chang King-yuh tells a news conference that there is no Taiwan issue. There is an issue of how to co-exist peacefully and develop cross-strait relations. "Our side would like to see a completion of national unification under the conditions of democracy, liberty and equal prosperity," Chang said.
February 1, 1999
Su Chi, vice secretary-general at the presidential office, succeeds Chang King-yuh as MAC Chairman.
February 2, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi says that the "one China" principle is Mainland authorities' expectation. "One China" should be future tense, implying that there is separate jurisdiction. In the ROC government's view, the two sides should start with acknowledging the reality that the two sides are under separate jurisdictions, or else exchanges will be impossible. The two sides should have a position as equal political entities, give up the previous struggle, and adopt a flexible definition of sovereignty. "We do not have a foreign policy supporting dual recognition, but it would be completely up to other countries to use it or not." He also stresses that MAC should be the architect of the ROC government's Mainland policy. MAC, guided by the President's ideas, and under the supervision of the premier, plays the coordination role among the Presidential Office, National Security Council and the Executive Yuan, and acts as a link among other government agencies and SEF.
February 11, 1999
Wire services report said that Mainland China has deployed along the southeastern coast some 100 missiles aimed at Taiwan. MAC Chairman Su Chi says this is a very unfriendly action and has seriously hurt the Taiwan people's feelings. For defense purposes, the ROC government is considering joining the TMD of the United States, Su says.
March 10, 1999
The Board of Foreign Trade announces "Regulations on Exempting Import Permits for Small Amounts of Mainland Goods." Under the new regulations, imports of Mainland industrial products, considered contrabands under the previous regulations, can be imported without permit as long as there are no more than 10 pieces below a total value of NT$12,000.
March 12, 1999
Regarding cross-strait dialogue through "Track II," the Public Affairs Department of the Presidential Office says in a news release that the two sides have normal communication channels. The ROC has a consistent policy to handle cross-strait issues through the established channel.
March 19, 1999
The Laws and Regulations Committee of the Ministry of the Interior adopts the draft of "Measures on the Forced Exit of Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong and Macau People."
March 27, 1999
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) holds a seminar to publicize reports on 1998 cross-strait relations. Five reports on the cross-strait political, diplomatic, military, social and economic developments are released at the seminar.
March 29, 1999
MAC Council Meeting adopts draft Measures Governing the Signing of Agreements between the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. The measures are designed to use the legislative framework to regulate agreements to be signed in the future by negotiation agencies representing the two sides.
May 13, 1999
Asked to comment the call for cross-strait exchanges to be curtailed because of the increasing espionage by PRC spies in Taiwan under the guise of visits, MAC Chairman Su Chi emphasizes that the government will not adopt such a contraction policy. Neither the Presidential Office nor the Executive Yuan gave such orders. However, Su points out that there have been irregularities in cross-strait exchanges and all concerned agencies are studying the execution of the regulations governing visits by Mainland Chinese to Taiwan.
May 19, 1999
In his residence, President Lee Teng-hui holds a meeting for his new book "The Road to Democracy - Taiwan's Pursuit of Identity" In the eight-chapter book, President Lee stresses that Taiwan, different from Hong Kong, can by no means accept "one China, two systems." He points out that there still exists a great uncertainty inside Mainland China so that the cross-strait relations must be carefully handled. Immediate unification or independence is not in Taiwan's interest.
May 20, 1999
The Executive Yuan passes the draft revision of Articles 16 and 21 of the "Statutes Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area."
June 4, 1999
Cheng An-kuo, director-general of the MAC Hong Kong Affairs Bureau, says that the Chung Hwa Travel Service begins implementing three new visa measures June 4 to facilitate the travel of Hong Kong and Macau citizens to and from Taiwan.
June 28, 1999
MAC makes public the "Analysis of Hong Kong's Situation Two Years after the Transfer of Hong Kong's Sovereignty."
July 9, 1999
President Lee Teng-hui gives an interview to the delegation from the Deutsche Welle Radio, including Pieter Weirich, the president, Gunter Knabe, director of its Asia Department, and reporter Simone de Manso Cabral, in the Presidential Office. President Lee says that since 1991, when the ROC Constitution was amended, cross-strait relations have been defined as "state-to-state," or at least "a special state-to-state relationship." Cross-strait relations shall not be an internal relationship of "one China," in which it is a legal government vs. a rebel regime, or a central government vs. a local one.
July 14, 1999
In a meeting with Daryl Johnson, director-general of the American Institute in Taiwan, Taipei Office, President Lee Teng-hui stresses that "The ROC's Mainland policy remains unchanged, as is the government's stance on cross-strait exchanges and dialogue." President Lee emphasizes that he has striven to safeguard the sovereignty for the Republic of China, not for "Taiwan Republic." He says his statement has nothing to do with Taiwan independence.
July 20, 1999
When receiving representatives of the Rotary International, President Lee restates that the definition of the cross-strait relations as a "special state-to-state relationship" aims at seeking a new basis for upcoming cross-strait political talks.
July 23, 1999
While receiving AIT Chairman Richard Bush, President Lee stresses that the "ROC government's Mainland policy of promoting constructive dialogue and friendly exchanges remains unchanged." Lee says that his statement regarding the "special state-to-state relationship" is an "expression in his capacity as the state leader to reflect the wishes of most Taiwanese, which any democratic country will do to respect the public opinion."
July 24, 1999
Invited by the Shieh's Cultural and Educational Foundation, Minister of National Defense Tang Fei delivers a speech on "Defense Technology and Innovation" at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. He says that while facing the PRC threat of high-tech weapons and forces, the ROC armed forces will draw up preventive strategies and expedite the building of a modern capability for "early warning, rapid reaction, and joint operations." He also says that the first priorities will focus on developing capabilities against short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, information warfare, electronic warfare, and submarine warfare in order to ensure the supremacy of the ROC forces for national security.
August 1, 1999
In a statement titled "Equality, peace, and a win-win outcome - the ROC government's stance on the 'special state-to-state relationship,'" MAC emphasizes that President Lee's definition of "a special state-to-state relationship" aims at laying a foundation of equality for the two sides to hold talks of higher level. Therefore, the two sides can establish a mechanism for peace and democracy and open a new era for cross-strait relations.
August 2, 1999
MAC Vice Chairman Sheu Ke-sheng says that MAC has made a full presentation on the government's position and definition of cross-strait relations in the paper titled "Equality, peace, and a win-win outcome - the ROC government's stance on the 'special state-to-state relationship.'"
August 2, 1999
Ministry of National Defense Spokesman Kung Fan-ding says that Mainland China has test-fired its newly developed long-range ballistic missiles on the Mainland, which is aimed at deterring superpowers, and not Taiwan.
August 3, 1999
MAC releases the English edition of "Equality, peace, and a win-win outcome - the ROC government's stance on the 'special state-to-state relationship.'" MAC says that this English position paper will be the basic information for ROC overseas representative offices to explain the government's stance on cross-strait relations to international society.
August 5, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi says that MAC will not respond to the emotional remarks made by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the PRC State Council.
August 5, 1999
SEF Secretary-general Shi Hwei-yow says he hopes that the Beijing authorities will respect "facts," "the consensus for respective interpretations," and "mutual respect."
August 6, 1999
MAC Vice Chairman Sheu Ke-sheng says that the two sides should return to the consensus that "the definition of one China should be subject to respective interpretations" and continue to pursue a unified China of democracy and peace.
August 7, 1999
When speaking at the second plenary meeting of the Sixth Conference of the Council for Industrial and Commercial Development, President Lee Teng-hui points out that the key resolution of the current tension in the Taiwan Strait lies on economic strength, not military struggle. He says that if Taiwan keeps promoting economic development in a stable manner, the final victory will be on its side.
August 7, 1999
MAC convenes a council meeting to discuss "ways to promote cross-strait relations under the 'special state-to-state relationship,'" chaired by Chairman Su Chi. Participants generally agree with President Lee's statement that the cross-strait relationship is "a special state-to-state relationship." Many support that the government and the private sector should call Mainland China "the PRC" in the future.
August 9, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi says that the ROC government's definition of the cross-strait relationship as a "special state-to-state relationship," and not a domestic relationship, aims to present a simple fact and to prepare for the upcoming political talks between the two sides.
August 9, 1999
Hong Kong-based Wen Wei Po reports that PLA submarines have already been deployed in the Taiwan Straits, to which the Ministry of National Defense says that no abnormal situation has been found and that people should not be influenced by the PRC's psychological warfare.
August 10, 1999
President Lee says that his statement that the cross-strait relationship is a "special state-to-state relationship" has drawn worldwide attention, which he thinks "the wider attention the better," because the world will recognize the ROC's existence.
August 12, 1999
There is speculation that a decision has been made at the Beidaihe Meeting to "seize an offshore islet of Taiwan." Deputy Minister of National Defense Sun Tao-yu says that this speculation is believed to be just another "psychological warfare" (from the PRC).
August 14, 1999
MAC analysis says that Mainland China's military capability is not sufficient to handle a confrontation in the Taiwan Straits.
August 16, 1999
President Lee states that his statement of "special state-to-state relationship" aims at confirming the equal status of the two sides in order to safeguard the rights of the ROC government and the interests of its people.
August 16, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi says that the "special state-to-state relationship" is not the basis for the "Koo-Wang Meeting." Therefore, ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan is not obliged to accept the ROC government's view.
August 17, 1999
Asked to comment on PRC Vice Premier Qian Qichen's demand that SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu retract the statement of "special state-to-state relationship," ROC Premier Vincent Siew says that the ROC's sovereignty is undeniable.
August 17, 1999
When interviewed by Yomiuri Shimbun of Japan, MAC Chairman Su Chi says that so long as Beijing accepts President Lee's new definition of "special state-to-state relationship," the two sides could engage in talks on issues of highly political nature, including the "three direct links."
August 18, 1999
Regarding the position adopted at the (PRC) National Conference for Taiwan Affairs Directors" that Taiwan retracts the "two-states theory," MAC Chairman Su Chi says that Mainland China has no sincerity at all in the cross-strait talks.
August 24, 1999
MAC points out that Mainland Chinese schools have changed to be very active in recruiting students from Taiwan, which obviously violates the "Regulations Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area." The government will control the situation in accordance with law.
August 29, 1999
The KMT 15th Party Congress adopts four policy guidelines -- "security, justice, prosperity, and innovation." It calls for the use of "special state-to-state relationship" to clearly define the cross-strait relations in order to unfold a new page of the interactions between the two sides.
August 30, 1999
Vice President Lien Chan calls for a prompt opening on the cross-strait political talks.
August 30, 1999
Vice President Lien Chan says that the "special state-to-state" statement aims at highlighting a status quo that the ROC is a sovereign state.
August 30, 1999
MAC Council Meeting decides to raise the quota for Mainland spouses to stay Taiwan to 3,600 people per year.
August 30, 1999
MAC has selected seven industries to be prohibited of making advertisements in Taiwan, including marriage match-making. MAC forwards the draft plan to the Executive Yuan.
August 31, 1999
MAC states that former political appointees who used to handle national security affairs will be restricted from visiting the Mainland.
September 6, 1999
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Su Chi says that"equality" is the first step towards cross-strait political negotiations, that the second step is the democratization of mainland China, and that the third step is that for both parties, negotiation should be voluntary.
September 7, 1999
The Executive Yuan decides to establish an agency to be responsible for science and technology exchange between Taiwan and mainland China. The "Li Kuo-ting Scientific Development Foundation" is to undertake exchange collaboration work; the procedures for mainland China technical personnel to come to Taiwan are to be simplified, and the maximum length of stay extended to three years.
September 10, 1999
In response to mainland China's three-stage concept, MAC Chairman Su Chi puts forward Taiwan's own "One China" three-stage concept. Su says that Taiwan's idea of "one China" is that this is the democratic China of the future, and that the current relationship between Taiwan and mainland China is a "special state-to-state relationship."
September 11, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi says that, following the statement by Taiwan that cross-strait relations constitute a special state-to-state relationship, Taiwan has learned three "lessons." One is that Taiwan's visibility on the international stage needs to be strengthened. The second is that the behavior resulting from mainland China's top-down system is the real trouble-maker. The third is that mainland China's thinking is highly fossilized, completely different from Taiwan's flexible thinking.
September 13, 1999
At a meeting of the United Nations, Taiwan explains the spirit of the "special state-to-state relationship."
September 16, 1999
President Lee Teng-hui re-emphasizes that only by putting forward the theory that cross-strait relations constitute a special state-to-state relationship is it possible to break out of the "one country, two systems" deadlock.
September 18, 1999
Su Chi, Chairman of the MAC, says that the government has observed that in dealing with the issue of cross-strait relations, mainland China has kept politics and business separate. Su says that Taiwan is pleased at this development, and that this is also the attitude that the R.O.C. government has always taken.
September 21, 1999
During an interview with the BBC, MAC Chairman Su Chi expresses appreciation of mainland China President Jiang Zemin's offer of help following the earthquake, and says that this represents a "good start" for improving cross-strait relations. As to whether Taiwan will accept humanitarian aid from mainland China, Su Chi says on September 22 that any such offer of aid will need to be evaluated before a decision can be made.
September 22, 1999
Various government agencies including the National Unification Council and Mainland Affairs Council hold a conference on "Fifty Years of Cross-strait Division Since the Coming to Power of the Chinese Communists" in the National Central Library in Taipei. The aim of the conference is to compare the political, economic, social and diplomatic development of mainland China and Taiwan since the division, as well as to evaluate future developments in cross-strait relations on the basis of domestic and overseas circumstances, and to make a renewed appeal for reunification on the basis of democracy and of parity between the two sides.
September 23, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi says that the issue of cross-strait relations is a political one, not a military one, and that political problems can be solved only by political means, not by military means.
September 24, 1999
The Ministry of Finance decides that mainland China citizens in Taiwan will be permitted to open foreign currency bank accounts and time deposit accounts, and will be allowed to remit money. However, the amount of money involved in each transaction may not exceed US$5,000 or NT$100,000.
September 27, 1999
At a MAC Council Meeting, it is agreed that the period for which mainland Chinese spouses of Taiwanese citizens are permitted to remain in Taiwan shall be extended, and that while in Taiwan the mainland Chinese spouses of Taiwanese citizens shall be permitted to join the National Health Insurance scheme, shall be (conditionally) permitted to work, and shall have the restrictions on their leaving the country during their period of residence in Taiwan relaxed.
October 7, 1999
The Executive Yuan approves the relaxation of the quota for the number of mainland Chinese spouses of Taiwanese citizens permitted to reside in Taiwan. The quota is to be raised from 1,800 per annum in 1997 to 3,600 per annum in 1999, giving an average of 300 people per month.
October 9, 1999
In his National Day address, President Lee Teng-hui once again emphasizes that cross-strait relations constitute a "special state-to-state relationship."
October 14, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi says that, following the September 21 earthquake, the mainland China authorities responded immediately, but that while expressing concern and offering to provide help, they also used the disaster as an opportunity to put pressure on Taiwan. Su goes on to say that this will cast a shadow over the future development of cross-strait relations.
October 18, 1999
In response to the remarks made by President Jiang Zemin in an interview with the UK's Times newspaper regarding reunification, MAC Chairman Su Chi says that it is unrealistic to establish a timetable for reunification. He appeals to the mainland China authorities to first establish a timetable for the promotion of democratization if they wish to make a substantive contribution to the reunification issue.
October 19, 1999
Regarding the remarks made by Jiang Zemin on the issue of reunification in an interview with the UK's Times newspaper, Executive Yuan Premier Vincent Siew stresses that the development of cross-strait relations cannot be achieved through the expression of subjective views by one side, and that it is unrealistic to formulate a timetable for reunification.
October 26, 1999
During interpellation by Legislators in the Legislative Yuan, Executive Yuan Premier Vincent Siew says that Taiwan's policy towards mainland China and framework for national reunification have not changed. He says that Taiwan would not be seeking independence or to split the nation, and that Taiwan is working towards the peaceful reunification of the Chinese people.
October 27, 1999
In an article published in the latest edition of a bi-monthly US Foreign Affairs periodical, President Lee Teng-hui emphasizes that, if peace and stability are to be maintained, the international community should accept the reality that mainland China and Taiwan are two separate political entities.
October 29, 1999
MAC Vice Chairman Lin Chong-pin notes that the People's Liberation Army is continuing the development of a strategy of "information warfare" using communications and computer warfare to reduce the damage that would be caused to Taiwan's economic infrastructure.
November 1, 1999
While delivering a report to the Legislative Yuan, Tang Fei estimates that by 2005 mainland China's information warfare capability will constitute a substantive threat to Taiwan, and says that the establishment of an information warfare capability has become a key task for Taiwan's armed forces.
November 1, 1999
The Ministry of National Defense submits a report to the Legislative Yuan on mainland China's military status, noting that since the announcement of the "two states" theory, mainland China's armed forces have conducted two amphibious landing exercises, and that Taiwan should seek to prevent the People's Liberation Army from using this opportunity to whip up "anti-Taiwanese" sentiment.
November 2, 1999
In the Legislative Yuan, Executive Yuan Premier Vincent Siew reiterates the government's policy towards cross-strait relations, pointing out that the four main foundations for the development of cross-strait relations are "national security," "Taiwan first," "a win-win situation for both sides," and "international relations." Premier Siew says that Taiwan will be seeking peaceful unification in the long term on the basis of the "special state-to-state relationship."
November 8, 1999
Cheng An-kuo, President of the Chunghua Travel Agency in Hong Kong, says in Hong Kong that, in line with the principle of reciprocity, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has decided that, beginning today, all persons holding a Hong Kong Driver's License issued by the Government of the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong will be able to obtain an ordinary Taiwan driver's license without the need to take a test.
November 11, 1999
. During an administrative report before the Legislative Yuan's Foreign Affairs Committee, Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission Minister Chiao Jen-ho says that the Commission has already formulated a plan to strengthen its overseas promotional activities, including the establishment of a 24-hour "Hung Kuan Satellite Television Channel," in the hopes of breaking mainland China's monopoly of diplomatic pressure.
November 17, 1999
In response to mainland China's recent statements that if Taiwan joins the WTO direct trade, transportation and communications links will have to be established between Taiwan and mainland China, MAC Chairman Su Chi says transportation links do not fall within the scope of the WTO negotiations, so that even if Taiwan does join the WTO, this does not necessarily mean that direct links will be established with mainland China.
November 17, 1999
The Legislative Yuan has passed a bill relaxing travels to Taiwan by mainland Chinese spouses of Taiwanese citizens, upholding the MAC version that would raise the annual quota for the number of mainland Chinese spouses allowed entry to Taiwan to 3,600.
November 21, 1999
The MAC points out that, following the transfer of sovereignty over Macao to mainland China, Macao residents who hold Overseas Chinese identification documents and who wish to work in Taiwan need only apply for a work permit in accordance with the Method for Employment and Management of Hong Kong and Macao Residents with Overseas Chinese status formulated by the Council for Labor Affairs; there are no restrictions on the type of work they may perform, on the period of employment, or on changing employers, and there is no requirement to pay an employment stability fee or guarantee. Furthermore, the requirement that this permit be applied for is only a formality to facilitate management; it does not place any particular restrictions on their rights.
November 21, 1999
The Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission points out that after sovereignty over Macao is transferred to mainland China, Macao will no longer be viewed by Taiwan as an Overseas Chinese area. Macao residents wishing to apply for Overseas Chinese identification documents must do so by December 19; the period of validity and method of use will be the same as those currently applying to residents of Hong Kong.
November 22, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi says that the name of the Taiwan representative office in Macao will not be changed until the transfer of sovereignty to mainland China. He says that in the future the development of relations between Taiwan and Macao will have to be built on the three principles of "reciprocity, practicality and respect," to create a "win-win-win" situation in cross-strait relations.
November 23, 1999
Executive Yuan Premier Vincent Siew says that, in principle, the government will agree to allow police officers "with no special responsibilities" to visit mainland China to see relatives or attend funerals, or to visit Hong Kong or Macao on vacation.
November 25, 1999
President Lee Teng-hui says that Taiwan would welcome mainland China's entry into the WTO, and that if mainland China displays sufficient goodwill towards Taiwan, Taiwan would be willing to review its current policy towards cross-strait trade, in accordance with the "special state-to-state relationship" and in line with WTO guidelines, in accordance with the spirit of the WTO.
November 25, 1999
Vice President Lien Chan says that, after Taiwan joins the WTO, as long as there is healthy interaction between Taiwan and mainland China, and assuming that a friendly response is received from mainland China, current cross-strait trading relations could be reviewed.
November 26, 1999
During interpellation in the Legislative Yuan, Executive Yuan Premier Vincent Siew says that if mainland China shows sufficient goodwill and respect towards Taiwan, eliminating Taiwan's concerns over security, then there would be more room for adjustment of some of the defensive measures and thinking in Taiwan's current policy towards mainland China.
November 27, 1999
Executive Yuan Premier Vincent Siew notes that, as long as mainland China respects the reality of the divided administration on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and eliminates Taiwan's security concerns, there is considerable room for development in cross-strait relations, which might make it possible to implement direct shipping, air and telecommunications links with mainland China, or even bolder and more active mainland investment policy toward China.
November 30, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi notes that the "86-character" statement on Taiwan policy issued by Wang Daohan does contain some useful points, such as "negotiation on the basis of parity, and the formation of a consensus on unification," but that some of the thinking in the statement would relegate Taiwan's political status to that of a local government, which Taiwan cannot accept.
November 30, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi notes that, once both Taiwan and mainland China have joined the WTO, it will be possible to discuss the cross-strait trading relationship and direct trade, transportation and communications links. As to the questions of air and sea transportation links, which do not fall within the scope of WTO regulations, priority will be given along with WTO-related trade issues when the time ripens.
December 1, 1999
Vice President Lien Chan says that a future solution to the Taiwan Strait issue must be based on the "Three No's" - No independence, no unification, no hostility, and the "Three Musts" - Peace, exchange, and a win-win situation.
December 2, 1999
Minister for Transportation and Communications Lin Feng-cheng says that if mainland China responds in good faith, direct air links could be established between Taiwan and mainland China. Taiwan's provisional plan is that Hsiaokang Airport in Kaohsiung be used for these direct flights, although Hsinchu Airport and Taichung Airport are also being considered; it is thought that direct flights might be opened to Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
December 3, 1999
Vice President Lien Chan says that if he were elected president he would be willing to visit mainland China, and that, on the precondition that the interests and dignity of his 22 million compatriots were protected, he would be willing to meet with the mainland China leadership, to discuss any issues.
December 3, 1999
In explaining Item 497, a Grand Justice of the Judicial Yuan says that the relevant methods have been formulated by the Ministry of the Interior in accordance with the Regulations Governing Cross-strait Relations, and that restricting visits to Taiwan by mainland China citizens does not go beyond the scope of the relevant law, and does not violate the constitution.
December 4, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi says that Taiwan would welcome "negotiations conducted on the basis of parity" on direct trade, transportation and communications links between Taiwan and mainland China at any time. Su also points out that some adjustments will be necessary after Taiwan joins the WTO, and that the conditions are not yet ripe for direct air links; he expresses the hope that talks can be conducted on the basis of safety and respect.
December 8, 1999
Vice President Lien Chan states that in the future Taiwan and mainland China should work to establish a mechanism for mutual trust in military affairs, so that contact and understanding can be used to overcome conflicts. He suggests that Taiwan and mainland China could even establish an exercise reporting and verification system and hotline, to prevent unnecessary excitement and over-reaction.
December 8, 1999
MAC Vice Chairman Wu An-chia says that the conditions are not yet ripe for direct trade, transportation and communications links between mainland China, Kinmen and Matsu, and that regardless of whether direct links are established only between mainland China, Kinmen and Matsu or between mainland China and Taiwan as a whole, as this concerns national security, it must be implemented under the preconditions of safety and respect, after negotiation and the signing of a formal agreement.
December 13, 1999
In response to the promulgation by mainland China of the Detailed Implementation Guidelines for the Law for the Protection of Investment by Taiwan Compatriots in the People's Republic of China, Minister for Economic Affairs Wang Chih-kang makes an appeal for an investment protection agreement to be signed by both Taiwan and mainland China after formal negotiation, as being the only way to fully safeguard the rights of Taiwanese businessperson.
December 13, 1999
The Ministry of the Interior issues the revised draft version of the Method for Authorizing Entry Into Mainland China by Inhabitants of the Taiwan Region, which allows police officers under a certain rank to travel to mainland China to visit relatives or attend funerals.
December 14, 1999
Vice President Lien Chan says that the development of long-range surface-to-surface missiles is a strategy for active defense. Vice President Lien says that Taiwan has always hoped that relations between Taiwan and mainland China can be improved on the basis of peace, exchange and a win-win situation, and that Taiwan most definitely does not wish to see hostility between the two sides.
December 16, 1999
The Legislative Yuan passes the revised Regulations Governing Cross-strait Relations.
December 17, 1999
While meeting with representatives of the Asia Pacific International Security Forum, President Lee Teng-hui notes that the Republic of China is an old nation, whereas the People's Republic of China is a newly-established nation, and that he will be clarifying the theory of the "special state-to-state relationship" at a later date.
December 17, 1999
Executive Yuan Premier Vincent Siew says that, in principle, the Executive Yuan agrees to allow insurance companies to establish representative offices in mainland China, to serve as the first step in the expansion of Taiwan's finance sector into mainland China.
December 17, 1999
MAC Vice Chairman Lin Chung-pin says that, in light of the transformation of Macao's status in 1999, in the future Taiwan's relations with Macao will be regulated by the Regulations Governing Relations with Hong Kong and Macao and the relevant methods, and that a Macao Office will be established on December 20 to handle all matters relating to Taiwan-Macao relations, to provide better service and contact functions.
December 17, 1999
The MAC publishes an Explanation of the Status of Macao in 1999.
December 19, 1999
The Executive Yuan has already decided to relax the restrictions on the length of time that mainland Chinese spouses of Taiwanese citizens can remain in Taiwan, allowing them to apply to stay in Taiwan for periods of up to one year; while in Taiwan they will be allowed to work, and will be covered by the National Health Insurance scheme.
December 20, 1999
It is announced that, following the hand-over of Macao to mainland China, Taiwan will treat Macao citizens who overstay their permitted period of residency in Taiwan or who are involved in criminal cases the same as Hong Kong citizens.
December 21, 1999
Executive Yuan Premier Vincent Siew says that Taiwan will not negotiate under pressure; Premier Siew goes on to list the five fundamental elements in Taiwan's policy toward mainland China.
December 21, 1999
While meeting with a visiting US Member of Congress, Nancy Pelosi (California), MAC Chairman Su Chi emphasizes that, with the progress that has been made in democratization in Taiwan, Taiwan is no longer afraid to negotiate with mainland China on any issues; rather, it is now mainland China that is afraid to negotiate with a democratic Taiwan, which is why, at present, progress is not being made in cross-strait relations.
December 22, 1999
In evaluating the implementation of "One country, two systems" by mainland China in Hong Kong and Macao, the MAC notes that Taiwan will never accept the "One country, two systems" concept, and that this concept will no longer be applicable after the hand-over of Macao, which will put the mainland China authorities under considerable pressure.
December 23, 1999
The MAC announces that the name of the Taipei Trade & Tourism Office in Macao is to be changed to the Taipei Economic & Cultural Center; the Center will begin operating under the new name on December 27.
December 24, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi states that if Macao does not maintain a friendly attitude, Taiwan will not rule out closing its representative office in Macao. Su also stresses that the insistence by the authorities in Macao that visitors from Taiwan be in possession of a Taiwanese Compatriot Certificate issued by the mainland China authorities does not conform to the principle of reciprocity.
December 27, 1999
Taiwan's representative office in Macao is formally renamed the Taipei Economic & Cultural Center.
December 27, 1999
The Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of the Interior, decides to begin processing applications for entry or exit permits for the year 2000 on December 27; it is estimated that permits applied for on this date can be received after January 3.
December 28, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi says that, following the hand-over of Macao, Taiwan should make efforts to counter mainland China's promotion of the "One country, two systems" concept in the international community. Su also appeals to Jiang Zemin to imitate the reformist spirit of Deng Xiaoping, and to implement reforms both in politics and with regard to mainland China's Taiwan policy.
December 28, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi says that the nature and functions of Taiwan's representative office in Macao will be upgraded to make it an open window. He expresses the hope that in the future there will be a new and expanded relationship between Taiwan and Macao.
December 31, 1999
MAC Chairman Su Chi notes that in cross-strait relations in the future there should be "more discussion of economics and less of politics, much less of military affairs."