April 9, 2013
No. 22
Minister Wang Yu-chi of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) invited near 150 Mainland spouses in Taiwan with their family and friends to watch a documentary entitled "On the Way Home" this afternoon (April 9, 2013). Produced by the Angel Heart Family Social Welfare Foundation, the film recounted the moving life story of its female protagonist—Mainland spouse Ms. Li Zhengxia—as the mother of a disabled child. Minister Wang expressed hope that the Taiwanese society could accept all new immigrants and also thanked the many public interest organizations in society for their efforts and dedication in helping Mainland spouses and disadvantaged groups.
Minister Wang stated in his speech that, aside from safeguarding cross-strait policies, helping to improve the rights and interests of Mainland spouses in Taiwan is also an important task for the MAC. He also said that Ms. Li Zhengxia's story deeply touched him and helped him to understand the moving and countless stories behind every Mainland spouse, and that the society should embrace all new immigrants in Taiwan with empathy, because they are all Taiwanese sons and daughters by law, irrespective of their origin. Minister Wang stated that all sectors should be more inclusive and embrace Mainland spouses for them to more easily integrate into the Taiwan society; and that the MAC would continue to work towards this goal as well.
Minister Wang affirmed the Mainland spouses for their efforts in voicing themselves through various channels, and thanked the many organizations in society that have spoken up for the rights and interests of Mainland spouse. He also expressed hopes that everyone's brave stand would awaken the public to the needs of Mainland spouses. Minister Wang further pointed out that, while the MAC has felt social pressure in the process of promoting related bills, it has also felt warmth within the society; Taiwan is a democratic and pluralistic society, all voices should of course be expressed through appropriate channels. He also stated that, Mainland spouse groups had assembled on such short notice this morning to collectively voice their hopes at the Legislative Yuan has demonstrated Taiwan’s democratic participation procedure as its greatest treasure and pride.
Minister Wang concluded with the hope for positive results from the Legislative Yuan's review scheduled this Thursday (April 11, 2013) on the draft amendments to laws related to Mainland spouses’ rights and interests. He also emphasized that, the MAC will continue in the future its endeavors to safeguard the rights and interests of Mainland spouses, and will spare no effort in assisting Mainland spouses resolve problems they confront while residing in Taiwan.