Several caucus members of the People First Party (PFP) of the Legislative Yuan, including PFP Caucus Convener Chen Chih-pin, Secretary Lee Yung-ping, Legislators Chang Hsien-yao and Tsai Sheng-chia, as well as Director of the PFP caucus office Chin Huei-chu, visited Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) today (April 7, 2005). Under a harmonious atmosphere, they exchanged an ample of views with Chairman Wu on issues such as the implementation of the Chen-Soong Ten-Point Conclusions, the enactment of PFP-proposed cross-strait peace promotion draft law, as well as the PFP’s plans to organize an agricultural delegation to China.
With regard to legislator Tsai Sheng-chia’s idea of organizing an agricultural delegation to China to discuss the issue of Taiwanese agricultural exports, Chairman Wu said the MAC has no objections to such a plan. He also indicated that the government has not imposed any restrictions on the sale of Taiwanese agricultural products in China. In fact, relevant government agencies have been assisting Taiwanese farmers in entering the mainland Chinese market. He said the difficulties of exporting Taiwanese agricultural products to China are China’s high tariffs on agricultural imports, complicated customs and quarantine procedures as well as difficult access to the mainland Chinese market. All these issues require comprehensive planning by the government if they involve the government’s exercise of authority. The proper agencies must be commissioned to enter into negotiations with China to ensure the benefits of the Taiwan farmers.
Chairman Wu stressed that the government will neither oppose nor intervene in cross-strait civilian exchanges, by either political parties or civilian organizations. As long as these exchanges contribute to mutual understanding across the Strait, and are not detrimental to national welfare. However, with regard to matters involving national sovereignty and government authority, the government’s authorization is needed in accordance with law before any party can begin negotiation with China. According to relevant regulations stipulated in Articles 4 and 5 of the “Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area”, the government may delegate the right to hold cross-strait talks on day-to-day affairs. But this is only limited to “accountable, professional, and experienced non-profit juristic person.” According to the constitution and the theory of party politics, political parties and legislative bodies do not fall within the scope of those whom the government can delegate.
Chairman Wu further emphasized that it is very important for Taiwan to garner a domestic consensus and foster unity for the greater benefit of the country and the people when dealing with cross-strait affairs. He thanked the People First Party for visiting the MAC to fully discuss and exchange views about the implementation of the Chen-Soong Ten-Point Consensus, the PFP-proposed cross-strait peace promotion draft law, as well as the PFP’s plans to organize an agricultural delegation to visit China. Chairman Wu hopes to see more discussions such as this one between the government and other political parties, to establish further domestic consensus and prevent Beijing from creating a division within Taiwan through its “united front” tactics. This is aimed at ensuring the overall interests of Taiwan and its people.