Mainland Affairs Council

July 1, 2007
The Second Cross-Strait (Gulang Island) Forum on Traditional Chinese Medicine Development and Cooperation opens in Xiamen. The forum is attended by 65 Taiwanese representatives and over 100 Chinese representatives of the traditional Chinese medicine industry.

July 2, 2007
The Department of Health issues a press release urging the public to temporarily suspend usage of Chinese toothpaste containing diethylene glycol.

July 3, 2007
In an article on "Beijing's 'One China': The Cross-strait Jacket'," published in the Washington Times, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that the "two systems" part of the "one country, two systems" formula is a fallacy, but the "one country" aspect is true. The "Hong Kong model" of "one country, two systems" has been repackaged as the "1992 Consensus," characterized as "one China, dual interpretations." At the 1992 meeting in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China did not reach any type of consensus, let alone a so-called "1992 Consensus."

July 5, 2007
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang states that China has demanded that the U.S. honor its commitments to the "one China" policy, abide by the three China-US joint communiques and oppose "Taiwan independence," prevent Annette Lu from conducting any form of secessionist activities in the U.S., and stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces so as to safeguard the stability across the Taiwan Strait and the overall situation of China-US relations.

July 5, 2007
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang states at a regular press conference that China hopes for the continuation and development of the current positive momentum in China-Japan relations. As an important precondition, Japan must appropriately deal with the Taiwan question because this is the political foundation of bilateral relations. China hopes that Japan will fulfill its commitment made in the three China-Japan political documents.

July 6, 2007
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issues a press release indicating that Taiwan's Sishankeng Dance Troupe visited Israel to participate in a series of exhibition and performance activities at the 22nd International Folk Dancing Festival. During the festival, members of the Chinese delegation seized the Republic of China flag from among the national flags arrayed on the stage. The MOFA sternly condemns China's peremptory abuse of political power to interfere with cultural exchange activities. The MOFA also expresses deep regret that the event sponsor did not treat Taiwan's dance troupe reasonably under the principles of fairness and justice. China's unreasonable and peremptory suppression of Taiwan in the international arena only hurts the feelings of the people of Taiwan. The MOFA reiterates that Taiwan will never change its determination to expand its international space and seek equal status in the world.

July 6, 2007
At a regular press briefing, MAC Spokesperson Johnnason Liu indicates that the MAC presently does not allow the banking industry to invest in Chinese banks in the Mainland.

July 6, 2007
120 people from Taiwan take part in physician qualification examinations in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province.

July 6, 2007
The Fujian branch of the China Development Bank and the Fujian Provincial Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation jointly sign a financial cooperation framework agreement. Under the agreement, the China Development Bank will support infrastructure development and the development of Taiwanese-invested enterprises in four Taiwanese investment zones in Fujian Province.

July 7, 2007
At the Cross-Strait Notary Seminar, Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Vice Chairman Michael Y.L. You states that both sides of the Taiwan Strait can build a non-controversial notary service platform to jointly assist people on both sides in handling questions regarding the use of notarized documents.

July 8, 2007
In an interview with the U.S.-based Washington Post, President Chen Shui-bian states that democracy is the most important asset for Taiwan, and referendum is the best weapon--the most effective "theater missile defense"--against the totalitarianism of the Communist Party of China. The proposal to conduct a referendum on applying for membership in the United Nations is a mainstream value and the majority opinion in Taiwan's society.

July 8, 2007
Over 1,000 students from 92 Taiwanese universities took part in the 2007 Summer Camp for One Thousand Taiwan Compatriots held in Beijing by the Chinese government's All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.

July 11, 2007
In a recorded message presented 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 the key problem in the Taiwan Strait is the issue of democracy. If China continues to refuse to embrace democracy and to insist on a single-party dictatorship, the potential danger of China's military expansion and invasion will grow. The 23 million Taiwanese people would be most willing to cooperate with the 493 million people of the 27 EU countries 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.

July 11, 2007
In an interview with Kyodo News editor Takashi Okada and Taipei Bureau Chief Mori Yasuhiro, President Chen Shui-bian states that, based on the democratic spirit of sovereignty of the people, only the 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to decide the future and fate of Taiwan.

July 11, 2007
At an Executive Yuan meeting, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung announces the promotion of a "Flagship Project for Globalizing Taiwan's Medical Services." The program will focus initially on five areas, including liver transplants, and overseas Chinese and mainland Chinese patients. The Mainland Affairs Council will be requested to complete relevant measures for related matters involving the "Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and Mainland Area." Taiwan will begin accepting applications for mainland tourism groups under the project from August 1 this year. It is hoped the program will help promote policies on cross-strait tourism and charter flights.

July 12, 2007
In a press release on "Seeking membership in the United Nations under the name of 'Taiwan'," the MAC emphasizes that the Chinese government has long tried to sully the reputation of Taiwan's democratic development as "de jure independence." It has also been unwilling to face up to the fact that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other, and it has been ignorant of the normal operation of democratic politics. Beijing has also expanded its military threat, formulated a legal framework to provide a legitimate excuse for using military force against Taiwan, and applied diplomatic pressure to shut out Taiwan from the international community. The government calls on the Chinese authorities to discard their politicized mode of thinking and correctly understand the Taiwanese people's efforts to deepen democracy, so as to avoid misjudging the cross-strait situation. If China attempts to undermine or interfere with Taiwan's democratic development, it is ultimately bound to produce an effect opposite to what Beijing desires.

July 12, 2007
The MAC highly affirms and blesses the appointment of Hong Chi-chang as the new chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation. The council also hopes to coordinate closely with Chairman Hong and work jointly to create a new win-win situation for cross-strait peace.

July 14, 2007
At a regular press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates that on August 1, 2007, Taiwan will begin handling Chinese applications to visit Taiwan for five types of medical treatment, including liver transplants. The project will be conducted on a case-by-case basis during the initial six-month trial period, and the relevant legal framework will be drafted over the subsequent six months.

July 15, 2007
In a speech delivered at the opening ceremony for the "Democracy Movement Photo Exhibition and Stamp Issue for the 20th Anniversary of the Lifting of Martial Law in Taiwan," President Chen Shui-bian states that in 2007 Taiwan will push for membership in the United Nations under the name of "Taiwan" so that the people of Taiwan can participate in the international community in a free and dignified manner and not be isolated from the world.

July 17, 2007
During a medal presentation ceremony for high-ranking military officers, President Chen Shui-bian states that the Japanese government has published a "Defense of Japan 2007" white paper. The white paper expresses stronger concern than in the past over the military threat posed by China, noting that the Chinese military force exceeds what is needed for handling the Taiwan Strait issue. A similar conclusion was reached by the "2007 Report on the Military Power of the People's Republic of China," issued by the United States Department of Defense this May. It is clear that the objective of China's military modernization goes beyond the needs of responding to a cross-strait conflict. It has altered the military balance not only in the Taiwan Strait, but also in the East Asian region. The People's Liberation Army has the ability to conduct military missions beyond the Taiwan Strait, including preemptive strikes against neighboring areas, amply showing that China is aiming for global military hegemony.

July 17, 2007
Li Bingcai, executive deputy chairman of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, states at the 12th Cross-Strait Academic Symposium on China's Modernization that Chen Shui-bian's government continues to insist on a radical "Taiwan independence" line and intensify the promotion of "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities. He further contends that the Chen administration is increasing its endorsement of a referendum on applying for UN membership under the name of "Taiwan." This referendum, he claims, is an important step in Chen Shui-bian's attempt to change the status quo in which the Mainland and Taiwan are both parts of "one China" and move towards de jure Taiwan independence; this is a referendum on unification versus independence in a different guise. This is the most critical, dangerous and urgent issue presently facing peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. China will never tolerate "Taiwan independence" and it will not allow any person to separate Taiwan from China by any means.

July 18, 2007
A Chinese person who supposedly came to Taiwan for business was arrested by the police for begging. The MAC indicates that this case seriously undermines the order of cross-strait exchanges. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, which is the responsible authority, should immediately initiate investigation procedures and, in accordance with the law, seriously punish the inviting unit, intermediary travel agent, and the Chinese person who illegally came to Taiwan. The relevant management mechanism for Chinese persons visiting Taiwan should also be reviewed.

July 18, 2007
The Center for Disease Control under the Department of Health, Executive Yuan issues a press release indicating that persons visiting China for sightseeing, family visits, business or other purposes should be especially careful to avoid contracting diseases transmitted by rodents or arthropod parasites on rodents.

July 19, 2007
The 2nd "Two Hundred" Forum of Counties and Cities across the Taiwan Strait is held in Qingdao. The forum is attended by over 100 councillors from 19 counties and cities in the Taiwan Area and 100 county and city deputies of the National People's Congress from Shandong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian.

July 20, 2007
In a letter to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, President Chen Shui-bian formally requests the admission of Taiwan as a member of the United Nations under the name of "Taiwan." The President clearly states that, in accordance with Article 4 of the Charter of the United Nations, and in compliance with rule 58 of the provisional rules of procedure of the Security Council and rule 134 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, he has the honor, on behalf of Taiwan's 23 million people and in his capacity as President, to request the admission of Taiwan as a member of the United Nations.

July 20, 2007
Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-general Chen Chi-mai explains that President Chen Shui-bian sent a letter to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, formally requesting, on behalf of the 23 million people of Taiwan, the admission of Taiwan as a member of the UN under the name of "Taiwan."

July 20, 2007
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) urges China, from a humanitarian position, to promptly establish an institutionalized cross-strait platform for handling emergency incidents so as to facilitate mutual notification, coordination and handling of related matters, thereby protecting the rights and interests of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

July 20, 2007
At a regular press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates that that the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior have conducted a review of relevant management mechanisms governing Chinese businessmen coming to Taiwan. They will continue to reinforce the pre-event checks and on-the-spot inspection after their arrival to ensure that Chinese businessmen visiting Taiwan are managed properly.

July 20, 2007
The Department of Health under the Executive Yuan issues a press release stating that it would tighten controls on Chinese mitten crabs imported from China.

July 20, 2007
The Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs indicates in a press release that in June 2007 approval was granted for 84 China-bound investments with a total value of US$540,275,000.

July 20, 2007
Members of a Taiwanese tour group involved in a car accident in Shandong Province, China take a medical charter flight back to Taiwan.

July 20, 2007
At a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao states that according to Article 4 of the UN Charter, rule 58 of the provisional rules of procedure of the Security Council, and rule 134 of the rules of procedure of the UN General Assembly, only sovereign states can apply for UN membership. There is but one China in the world within which Taiwan is an integral part. The government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. This position, universally held by the international community, is completely in line with the UN Charter and has been confirmed by UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.

July 21, 2007
In a speech delivered at the "2007 National University and Research Institute Fair," President Chen Shui-bian states Taiwan will not recognize educational credentials from Chinese universities and will not allow Taiwanese universities to recruit Chinese students. There will be no change on these two issues during his term in office. Recognizing the academic credentials of Chinese universities is not a simple issue of academic exchanges or school operation. It must be comprehensively considered in terms of overall national security, student employment opportunities, and the allocation of educational resources.

July 22, 2007
In his capacity as the Liberal International representative, Examination Yuan President Yao Chia-wen spoke on behalf of Taiwan's bid to be admitted to the World Health Organization at the UN Human Rights Council in late March this year. China later retaliates by forcing the UN Economic and Social Council to suspend Liberty International's advisory position in the UN for a period of one year.

July 23, 2007
Chinese UN Ambassador Wang Guangya states at a press conference that Taiwan's application to join the UN under the name of "Taiwan" is an absurd and blatant separatist move towards "Taiwan independence" against which the Chinese government is firmly opposed. The Chinese government emphasizes that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. The government of the People's Republic of China is not only the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, but also the sole legitimate representative in the UN, which is a position widely held by the international community, totally in line with the UN Charter, and recognized by Resolution 2758 of the UN General Assembly. Taiwan has no qualification whatsoever to join the UN under any name or in any way since statehood is required for membership of the UN.

July 24, 2007
At the opening ceremony for the Annual Meeting of the Asian Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, President Chen Shui-bian states that a "cross-strait common market" or "one China market" would absolutely be the first step for Taiwan towards "ultimate unification." The packaging of a "political one China" as an "economic one China" is like a sugarcoated poison pill. If China is allowed to completely control the lifeline of Taiwan's economy and existence, Taiwan will sink to become a second Hong Kong.

July 24, 2007
At a joint regular meeting of the 8th Subdistrict of Rotary International District 3480, President Chen Shui-bian states that United Nations (UN) Resolution 2758 only resolves the issue of China's representation and the representation of the People's Republic of China. It does not resolve the issue of representation of the 23 million people of Taiwan. Taiwan should have appropriate representation in the UN. Taiwan is a sovereign country and cannot become a part of another country. This is a very serious topic.

July 24, 2007
The MAC issues a press release reiterating that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country entitled to participate in the United Nations (UN). The MAC indicates that China's attempts at manipulating the international community to suppress Taiwan only further highlight that Beijing dares not face up to the fact that the Republic of China is an independent sovereign country and that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. China's various hegemonic acts have seriously undermined the basic human rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people. These actions have also produced retrogression in cross-strait relations and estranged the feelings between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. China has also imposed a political framework that runs counter to reality on the affairs and operations of the UN. This not only deviates entirely from the UN's long-standing principle of "universality of membership," but also violates the notion put forth by the UN Charter that all people are equal. All of this is highly inconsistent with the UN's long-term call for international peace and equality. This is a grave provocation against the dignity of the UN.

July 24, 2007
The MAC sends a formal letter to sternly protest the Hong Kong government because it refused over one hundred Taiwanese Falun Gong practitioners with valid visas to visit Hong Kong before this year's July 1 democracy march.

July 24, 2007
Officials of China's Taiwan Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee and Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council issue a statement regarding the rejection and return of the letter of application to join the UN under the name of "Taiwan" that Chen Shui-bian sent to the UN Secretary General. It states that the Chen government's promotion of Taiwan's UN membership under the name of "Taiwan" is another critical step towards secessionist activities. Both the UN membership application and the promotion of a referendum on UN membership are important steps in the Chen administration's attempts to change the status quo in which the Mainland and Taiwan are both part of one China and move towards de jure Taiwan independence. Such measures are directed domestically at promoting a "Taiwan independence constitution" and internationally at creating conditions for gaining recognition by the international community.

July 25, 2007
In a meeting with a group of visiting elites from the Republican Party of the United States, President Chen Shui-bian states that China's current fundamental position towards Taiwan is that Taiwan is a part of China and a local administrative province of China. However, the people of Taiwan absolutely cannot agree with this, nor can they accept this. China wants Taiwan to surrender and to abandon its sovereignty, return to China like Hong Kong and Macao, and become a local government or special administrative region. This basic difference in opinion makes it even more difficult for the two sides to establish a new political relationship.

July 25, 2007
The Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and a visiting mission of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT)'s service and liaison center for China-based Taiwanese businesspeople hold a third work meeting on protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwanese businesspeople in China. The two sides reach a consensus on creating a sound mechanism to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwanese compatriots, to create a reporting mechanism to properly resolve cases involving Taiwanese businesspeople, and to promote cross-strait exchange and cooperation in the area of intellectual property rights.

July 27, 2007
The National Immigration Agency of the Ministry of the Interior publicly announces revisions to some stipulations of the "Permit Regulations Governing the Entry of Professionals of the Mainland Area into Taiwan for Professional Activities."

July 27, 2007
The National Immigration Agency of the Ministry of the Interior issues a press release stating that the government will take the initiative to review at the appropriate time and adjust as necessary the quota for Mainland Chinese spouses applying for residency in Taiwan based on the family reunion rights and interests of married couples and humanitarian viewpoints.

July 29, 2007
At the appointment ceremony for the new president of the Hsinchu chapter of the Lions Club, President Chen Shui-bian states that on July 27 he again sent letters to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN Security Council President Wang Guangya reiterating that only the Security Council and the General Assembly have the authority to review and decide on UN membership applications. UN Resolution 2758 neither grants China the right to represent Taiwan's 23 million people at the UN, nor states that Taiwan is either a part of China or the People's Republic of China. Taiwan is an independent sovereign nation. Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other and each is independent of the other. Taiwan absolutely is not a part of the People's Republic of China.

July 30, 2007
The MAC convenes a Council Meeting and approves a draft of the "Notice on Documentation Required by Persons of the Mainland Area when Applying on a Special Case Basis to Visit Taiwan for Medical Services."

July 31, 2007
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi states in Manila that Taiwan's intensified efforts to hold a referendum on UN membership will severely damage the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China, severely impinge cross-strait ties, and badly jeopardize the peace and stability of the cross-strait and Asia-Pacific regions. He emphasizes that Chen Shui-bian's government has recently intensified attempts to hold a referendum on UN membership under the name of "Taiwan." This is an important step towards de jure Taiwan independence. Its essence is to change the status of Taiwan's position as a part of the Chinese territory and to split Taiwan from China.

July 31, 2007
The 16th Seminar on Cross-Strait Relations is held in Kunming, Yunnan Province with "Building Peaceful and Stable Development of Cross-strait Relations" as its theme. At the seminar, Vice Chairman Wang Zaixi of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) reiterates that China will never allow any person by any means to split Taiwan from the motherland. China is also determined, confident, and able to crush all "Taiwan independence" secessionist schemes.

July 31, 2007
At a reception for the 80th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army, Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan states that China is determined, able, and ready to deter "Taiwan independence" as well as any major incidents leading to "Taiwan independence," and will firmly defend the integrity of China's national sovereignty and territory.

August 1, 2007
In a press release entitled "Taiwan is determined to participate in the international community and is not afraid of China's military suppression," the MAC emphasizes that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country. Applying to join the United Nations (UN) has been a unanimous consensus and hope of all of the Taiwanese people and of both the ruling and opposition political parties. The collective rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people should be protected under the UN Charter.

August 1, 2007
Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Wang Guangya states that there is only one China in the world. Taiwan is an indivisible part of the Chinese territory. The People's Republic of China (PRC) is the only legal government representing all of China. UN Resolution No. 2758 affirms that the government of the PRC is the only legal representative of China in the UN. China's representation in the UN naturally includes Taiwan.

August 2, 2007
The MAC lodges a stern protest against Chinese UN Ambassador for having returned Taiwan's application letter for UN membership. The MAC emphasizes that Taiwan has never been a part of the People's Republic of China. China's unwillingness to acknowledge the fact that Taiwan is sovereign and independent and that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other is the most fundamental obstacle to cross-strait relations. Recently China has persistently used its interpretation of UN Resolution No. 2758 to fabricate its preposterous "one China principle" with a view to downgrading Taiwan's status and achieving "de jure unification" with Taiwan.
The MAC stresses that China ignores that fact of the existence of the Republic of China. It has always denied Taiwan's legal status and democratic development with a unilateral definition of "de jure Taiwan independence." It has also expanded its military capabilities and deployed missiles to diplomatically pressure Taiwan and shut Taiwan off from the international community. In doing so, China is attempting to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. China's military deployment has not only created unease among countries in the Asia-Pacific region, but has also sabotaged the balance of power in the Taiwan Strait. The international community should face up to the development of this dangerous situation.

August 2, 2007
China's Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao states that the Taiwanese authorities' "application to join the United Nations under the name of Taiwan" is absurd. According to the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and procedural rules of the UN Security Council and General Assembly, only a sovereign country can apply to become a member of the UN.

August 2, 2007
At an ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi states that the Taiwan issue pertains to the core interests of China. China will never permit any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and will never allow Taiwan to be divided from China.

August 3, 2007
At a regular press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates that Taiwanese banks are still prohibited from making investments in China. Taiwanese people, legal persons, organizations, other institutions and entities in Taiwan may not invest in China-funded banks in the mainland area directly or indirectly through a third country. Taiwan hopes that cross-strait negotiations on opening Taiwan to Chinese tourists will be completed and that China will list Taiwan as soon as possible as one of the tourism destinations or areas open to Chinese tourists.

August 3, 2007
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issues a press release sternly protesting against Chinese UN Ambassador Wang Guangya for having returned the letter containing Taiwan's application for UN membership which was sent by President Chen Shui-bian on behalf of Taiwan. The MOFA indicates that according to relevant UN regulations, only the UN Security Council and the General Assembly have the authority to review and decide on whether any new members could be admitted. In handling this important issue by returning the letter, Ambassador Wang Guangya is derelict in his duties as rotating president of the UN Security Council.

August 3, 2007
At a regular press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates that to date, 47 injured or ill persons have been transported from China to Taiwan on a total of 21 emergency medical charter flights since such flights were started in June 2006.

August 5, 2007
In an address to the "People's Diplomacy Research Camp" at Chung Yuan Christian University, President Chen Shui-bian emphasizes that the crux of Taiwan's difficult diplomatic predicament is the so-called "one China" principle, under which Beijing claims that Taiwan is a part of China, that Taiwan is a local government of China, and that Taiwan is not a sovereign country. Consequently, the Taiwanese people should not harbor any illusions about China, nor should they think that Taiwan can step out into the international arena and have international space under "one China, with respective interpretations." China disagrees that "one China" can be defined with respective interpretations by both sides across the Strait, because if China agrees, it would mean that China accepts "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan."

August 5, 2007
The APEC Preparatory Office rejects President Chen Shui-bian's choice of former Vice Premier Tsai Ing-wen as "leader representative" at the APEC summit meeting to be held in early September in Sydney, Australia.

August 6, 2007
Jiang Xiaoyu, Executive Vice-President of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), states that the Olympic Torch relay route has been decided through consultations between the BOCOG and the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee according to the regulations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The plan has already been approved by the IOC. China hopes that Taiwan can return to the consensus reached between the two sides and confirm the relay route on paper, so that the Olympic Torch can come to Taiwan.

August 7, 2007
In a meeting with 8th term scholars of the Ketagalan Institute, President Chen Shui-bian states that, as a sovereign country Taiwan certainly needs to find its own identity. In particular, Taiwan can neither become economically marginalized, nor can it become an economic vassal. Although the Chinese market is very big, it is not Taiwan's only market, ultimate market, or entire market. Therefore, the government will insist on the policy of "proactive management and effective liberalization."

August 8, 2007
In a meeting with a visiting group of the Taiwan Policy Task Force of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) for Public Policy Research, led by Randall Schriver, President Chen Shui-bian states that in today's world, the international community only thinks about how to appease Beijing, letting China determine the status of Taiwan in the global community, rather than considering the treatment that the people of Taiwan ought to receive. This stance, however, will only enable China to wantonly humiliate Taiwan.

August 8, 2007
The National Communications Commission (NCC) indicates that in future, permission to broadcast Chinese programs, applications filed by Hong Kong and Chinese satellite channels to operate in Taiwan, and other broadcasting affairs involving Taiwan's China policy must undergo a first stage of examination and approval by the Government Information Office and Mainland Affairs Council, and then undergo a second stage of supervisory and management work by the NCC, in accordance with relevant stipulations under the Broadcasting and Television Act.

August 9, 2007
Statistics compiled by China's Ministry of Culture (MOC) indicate that in the first six months of 2007, the MOC approved 200 items of cultural exchange activities with the Taiwan Area, with a total participation of 2,209 people. This included 119 activities for which 1,319 Chinese participants visited Taiwan and 81 activities for which 890 Taiwanese participants visited China.

August 10, 2007
At a press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Tung Chen-yuan indicates that so long as the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) shows sincerity and goodwill, Taiwan will be very willing to conduct negotiations with Beijing on the matters related to the Olympic Torch relay route.

August 10, 2007
Chinese dissident Cai Lujun arrives in Taiwan. The MAC indicates that Cai assumed the identity of his younger brother to gain employment as a Chinese fisherman and came to Taiwan. Since this matter involves the crime of document forgery under the National Security Act and Criminal Act, the Coast Guard Administration has already submitted the case to the Ilan District Prosecutors' Office for investigation.

August 12, 2007
Under pressure from China, Venezuela refuses to issue visas for the Chinese Taipei Youth Baseball Team for participation in the 13th AA World Youth Baseball Championship.

August 13, 2007
In his opening remarks to the International Conference on After the Third Wave, President Chen Shui-bian states that for many years, China has narrowed, denigrated, and even stigmatized the Taiwanese people's efforts to pursue freedom and democracy as "moves toward de jure independence." Over the past seven years, Taiwan's democracy has been developing under the daily shadow of missile attack. This has made Taiwan's arduous democratization process even more difficult.

August 13, 2007
In a meeting with Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, chairman of the United States House Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, President Chen Shui-bian stresses that none of the three Sino-American communiques indicated any recognition by the United States of China's position that Taiwan is a part of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Likewise, United Nations Resolution No. 2758 also does not make any reference to Taiwan being a part of the PRC.

August 13, 2007
When delivering a speech at the welcome banquet for the "International Conference on After the Third Wave" hosted by the Taiwan Thinktank, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states that in the face of China's barbaric military threats and diplomatic suppression, Taiwan has always firmly believed that democratization is the most important asset for safeguarding national security and international survival space. It is hoped that Taiwan's experience in democratic development can influence China, enabling China to be free of the fetters of despotism and to gradually complete democratic reforms. This is also a very important foundation for maintaining peaceful interactions across the Taiwan Strait.

August 14, 2007
During his address at the opening ceremony of the Democratic Pacific Union, President Chen Shui-bian states that the so-called "rise of China" is built on unbalanced economic growth, a high level of environmental pollution, constant military expansion, the full-scale suppression of freedom, democracy and human rights, and other complex factors. In order to enable China to become a regular and positive force in the "democratic Pacific community" in the course of its development, "the rise of China" must be accompanied by a "peaceful awakening and "democratic development."

August 14, 2007
The handing over and repatriation of Chinese hijackers Yang Mingde and Lin Wenqiang is smoothly completed by the Straits Exchange Association along with the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China and the Chinese side.

August 14, 2007
Police authorities in Fujian repatriate 19 Taiwanese criminal suspects to Taiwan in accordance with the Kinmen Accord.

August 14, 2007
The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection under the Ministry of Economic Affairs issues an announcement stating that it would strengthen preventative examination and monitoring measures against inferior Chinese goods.

August 15, 2007
In a meeting with United States Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, President Chen Shui-bian states that democracy not only stresses basic human rights, but also global values. The world community should not institute a double standard. The 23 million people of Taiwan should enjoy full-fledged democracy like the citizens of the United States or other nations. There should not be restrictions placed on Taiwan's democracy. Furthermore, there should not be any so-called red line drawn for Taiwan's democracy. If there is a red line, the 23 million people of Taiwan cannot enjoy full, one hundred percent democracy.

August 15, 2007
In a meeting with former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations (UN) John Bolton and his wife, President Chen Shui-bian states that the 23 million people of Taiwan cannot accept the position that Taiwan is a part of the People's Republic of China as China repeatedly declares and contends. The president emphasizes that there should be no red line for democracy. One cannot draw a red line and say that democracy can only exist within that line and not cross over it. China has drawn a red line for Taiwan, and the U.S. has also drawn a red line for Taiwan. However, the U.S. red line and the Chinese red line are not the same. Taiwan has not stepped on the red line. It is only because the red line has shifted that there is a problem with so-called stepping on or not stepping on the red line.

August 16, 2007
In a meeting with Frank Murkowski, the former governor of the US state of Alaska, President Chen Shui-bian states that at present 77 percent of the people of Taiwan approve of Taiwan's application for United Nations membership in the name of "Taiwan." Moreover, the holding of referendums is a basic human right and universal value. The will of the people cannot be violated or betrayed.

August 16, 2007
The MAC issues a statement condemning the Hong Kong SAR Government for returning Taiwan's statement which is aimed at protesting against Hong Kong's peremptory repatriation of Taiwanese persons in violation of their human rights. The MAC also sternly demands that the Hong Kong SAR Government handle cases of Taiwanese people entering Hong Kong and issues related to contacts between Taiwan and Hong Kong in a rational and pragmatic way so as to avoid actions that further damage relations between the two sides.

August 16, 2007
At a press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu states that Taiwan has been an inalienable part of the Chinese territory since ancient times. Both the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation confirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan. United Nations Resolution 2758 stipulated clearly that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal representative of China in the United Nations. More than 160 countries in the world have established diplomatic ties with China. They all recognize that there is but one China in the world and that Taiwan is part of China.

August 17, 2007
At a press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates that Taiwan's participation in international organizations and activities has always been obstructed by China. China has declared that as a non-sovereign country, Taiwan cannot participate in international organizations and activities. This statement will indeed affect the feelings of the Taiwanese people. Cross-strait relations are interactive. Taiwan urges the Chinese authorities to not stubbornly suppress Taiwan's international space. Otherwise, it will hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people and produce a negative effect on the development of cross-strait relations.

August 17, 2007
The MAC issues the results of a public opinion survey on current cross-strait relations. The survey results indicate that 78 percent of the public disagree with China's statement that "As a part of China, Taiwan is not qualified to join the United Nations." Moreover, 73.4 percent of the public support Taiwan to seek UN membership under the name of Taiwan.

August 20, 2007
In an announcement, the Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs indicates that in July 2007, approval was granted for 89 China-bound investments with a total value of US$1,184,292,000.

August 20, 2007
The immigration control department of the Fujian Public Security Bureau officially authorized the Entry and Exit Visa Administrative Office of the Xiamen Public Security Bureau to produce "Taiwan Travel Permits for Mainland Residents" to enable mainlanders to apply to travel to Kinmen.

August 21, 2007
Before embarking on a trip to visit Taiwan's Central American diplomatic allies, President Chen Shui-bian states that the people of Taiwan have the right to actively take part in the international community on an equal footing. Taiwan not only seeks the international community's acknowledgement and respect of Taiwan's national sovereign position, but also hopes that the world can hear the strong voice of the people of Taiwan in their yearning to become official members of the World Health Organization and United Nations.

August 21, 2007
The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection under the Ministry of Economic Affairs re-urges consumers and businesses not to buy or import any of 47 brands of Chinese-made toothpaste. It also asked hotel operators to not use toothpaste containing diethylene glycol.

August 21, 2007
The National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior promulgates the revised "Permit Regulations Governing Applications by Persons of the Mainland Area to Visit Taiwan for Service Due to Transfer within Transnational Enterprises."

August 21, 2007
In an interview with the Central News Agency at the opening ceremony of the 6th Liaoning Taiwan Week, Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council, states that China will not change its Taiwan policy of "separating politics and economics," even if Taiwan holds a referendum on joining the United Nations.

August 22, 2007
In an interview with BBC producer Andrew Denwood and assistant news editor Maurice Walsh, President Chen Shui-bian states that China has formulated a three-stage military preparation for a war against Taiwan. There has been a continuous double-digit growth in military expenditure by China on an annual basis over the past 18 years ago. This far exceeds the needs of China's military self-defense. The balance of power in the Taiwan Strait is tilting in favor of China. Taiwan does not intend to engage in an arms race with China. What it wants to achieve is the strategic goal of "effective deterrence and resolute defense" for Taiwan. This is the way to achieve true peace.

August 23, 2007
The Ministry of the Interior indicates that four real estate purchases in Taiwan by Chinese persons have been reviewed and approved.

August 24, 2007
According to statistics compiled by the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), in the first seven months of this year, the SEF handled 1,199 requests for help related to the safety of the life or property of the Taiwanese businesspeople in China. Of the total, 341 cases involved limitations to personal freedom. The SEF emphasizes that the cases of families willing to seek assistance from the foundation are only the tip of the iceberg. The actual number of cases is surely exceeds the number of cases reported to the SEF by a large degree.

August 25, 2007
During his address to the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of El Salvador, President Chen Shui-bian states that due to the strong suppression and obstruction by China, Taiwan's bids to join and participate in global organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization have been stymied. China's actions have obstructed Taiwan from having the opportunity to take part in the international community. Taiwan, however, will not give up. Surveys show 77 percent of the Taiwanese people hope that Taiwan will join the UN. Given this overwhelming public opinion support, Taiwan is moving forward with a plan to hold a referendum on whether it should apply to join the UN under the name "Taiwan." Taiwan hopes that through the holding of a referendum the Taiwanese people can have a direct voice in the decision.

August 26, 2007
At the "First Cross-Strait Enterprise Innovation and Development Forum" in Beidaihe, Zheng Lizhong, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council, states that Taiwan's planned referendum on its bid to join the United Nations (UN) is the most destabilizing factor challenging cross-strait peace. He indicates that current Taiwan independence separatist activities are the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Intensified promotion of the planned referendum on UN membership by some people in Taiwan is provoking and creating antagonism between both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

August 27, 2007
In response to China's behind-the-scenes manipulation of a press release for the Venice Film Festival, the MAC indicates that China has incessantly abused its political violence to peremptorily suppress Taiwan's international survival space. China has not only shut out Taiwan from international organizations, but even has not relented in international cultural exchanges unrelated to politics. At the 57th Berlin Film Festival held in Berlin in February 2007, it was found that Taiwan's two film entries in the festival were labeled by the sponsor as "Taiwan, China." This was not corrected despite Taiwan's objections.

August 27, 2007
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) holds an "Explore the Beauty of Taiwan" summer camp activity for the children of China-based Taiwanese businesspeople. The camp consists of two sessions held from July 7. A total of 300 students register to take part in the camp, including third graders and eighth graders studying in China, Hong Kong and Macao.

August 28, 2007
In a press release entitled "China sabotages the cross-strait status quo and maliciously misleads the international community," the MAC emphasizes that Taiwan is already an independent sovereign country. The status quo across the Taiwan Strait is that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. As a member of the international community, Taiwan has the right to participate in international organizations. The public referendum on "entry into the United Nations under the name of Taiwan" reflects the fact that the 23 million Taiwanese people hope to highlight their collective will through the democratic process as well as to denounce China's peremptory actions aimed at imposing international political isolation on the Taiwanese people. Such a democratic referendum is intended to protect the status quo across the Taiwan Strait rather than to change the status quo. There is no such thing as carrying out a referendum on U.N. membership to change the official name of Taiwan and further declare independence.

August 28, 2007
The Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs lifts import restrictions on 48 items of Chinese products, among which 21 items are under the category of ready-made clothing products.

August 28, 2007
According to the latest statistics compiled by the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, indirect cross-strait trade in the first seven months of 2007 amounted to US$66.17 billion, an increase of 12.6 percent over the same period of the year before.

August 28, 2007
Japan's Asahi Shimbun reports that between April and May, 2007, China's naval fleet twice crossed through Taiwan's eastern ocean territory, sailing from the East China Sea past Miyako-jima and Ryukyu Island to the Pacific en route to the South China Sea. The voyage was probably directed against Taiwan's naval training exercises and also meant as an external show of force.

August 29, 2007
Concluding his "Trip of Joint Grand Vision and Eternal Concern," President Chen Shui-bian indicates in a statement at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport that the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is that "There is one country on each side of the Taiwan Strait-Taiwan and China." The holding of a referendum on Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations under the name of "Taiwan" not only will not change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, but will also in fact safeguard the status quo in the Taiwan Strait against unilateral change by China.

August 29, 2007
The Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council and the Jiangxi Provincial Government jointly hold the "2007 Jiangxi-Taiwan Economic and Trade Cooperation Symposium" in Nanchang, Jiangxi.

August 29, 2007
At a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao states that China applauds the United States government for having reiterated its opposition to Taiwan authorities' decision to hold a referendum on Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations on many occasions recently. Opposing and deterring "Taiwan independence" is of vital significance to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Asia-Pacific region at large, and it is also in the mutual interests of the US and China.

August 29, 2007
At the "Jiangxi-Taiwan Economic and Trade Cooperation Symposium" held in Nanchang, Zheng Lizhong, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council, expresses hopes that the vast majority of Taiwanese compatriots will join China in deterring the "referendum on membership in the United Nations" and other forms of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

August 30, 2007
The MAC and National Immigration Agency convene a joint review meeting, which conditionally approves a visit to Taiwan by Chinese basketball star Yao Ming.

August 31, 2007
In response to a statement by a senior official of the U.S. National Security Council regarding Taiwan's national status, the MAC solemnly reiterates that it is a clear and undeniable fact that as an independent sovereign country, Taiwan has never been a part of the People's Republic of China, and that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. Due to the fact that Taiwan has existed as an independent sovereign country, Taiwan's statehood is neither an unresolved issue nor is Taiwan's status undecided, whatever the country's name will be.

August 31, 2007
In a meeting with Slovenian Democratic Party Vice-President and Member of the European Parliament Mihael Brejc, as well as Slovenia Minister of Public Administration Gregor Virant, President Chen Shui-bian states that the 23 million people of Taiwan are seeking to solidify and deepen the development of democracy, and they seek to share in the universal values of democracy, freedom and human rights. Presently 77 percent of the Taiwanese people advocate applying for membership in the United Nations under the name "Taiwan." This is the mainstream voice of Taiwan public opinion. While passage of the referendum does not guarantee that Taiwan will be able to join the UN, at least there is a need to let the world hear the voice of the Taiwan people.

September 1, 2007
China's Vice Minister of Health Ma Xiaowei welcomes Taiwanese organizations, enterprises and individuals to invest in the establishment of health institutions in China.

September 1, 2007
Tang Wei, director general of the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, states that as Taiwanese businesspeople increase investment in China's manufacturing industry, so also are they becoming a greater investment force in China's first and third industries.

September 2, 2007
The MAC issues a statement indicating that the Chinese authorities' handling of the business disputes over the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi's invested business in China is having a chilling effect on the interested investment parties in Taiwan. It has also left a generally negative impression on the wider Taiwanese business community. The MAC urges the Chinese authorities to honor their pledge to protect the legitimate investment rights and interests of Taiwanese enterprises in China.

September 2, 2007
According to statistics compiled by the MAC and Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), the SEF had, as of the end of July, received 1,199 requests for assistance involving the personal security or property of Taiwanese businesspeople. Of the total, 341 cases related to restrictions of personal freedom.

September 2, 2007
A "Chinese Media Mission to Taiwan" arrives in Taipei. The mission is composed of eight Chinese news workers from Xinhua News Agency, Peoples Daily, and China News Service.

September 3, 2007
The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection under the Ministry of Economic Affairs reminds consumers that they should be aware following a U.S. recall of Chinese-made hooded jerseys.

September 4, 2007
President Chen Shui-bian convenes a high-level meeting on the APEC unofficial Economic Ministers Meeting. He states firm opposition to any arrangements that undermine the dignity, rights and interests of Taiwan.

September 4, 2007
Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Vice Secretary-General Chang Shu-ti indicates that the SEF has sent a team of business consultants familiar with Chinese law and accounting to provide professional consulting assistance to Shin Kong Mitsukoshi in its business disputes with Beijing Hualian Group. He also calls on the Chinese authorities to promptly investigate the truth of this matter and appropriately resolve it according to the law.

September 4, 2007
At a press briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu indicates that to oppose and deter "Taiwan independence" is in the mutual interest of China and the US. China hopes the US can abide by the "one China" principle, the three Sino-US joint communiques, and its commitment to opposing Taiwan independence so as to make joint efforts with China to safeguard peace and stability across the Strait and the overall China-US relations.

September 5, 2007
In a meeting with Chairman Stan Shih, Special Representative for the APEC unofficial Economic Ministers Meeting, and other members of Taiwan's APEC delegation, President Chen Shui-bian states that due to China's military threats and comprehensive diplomatic suppression, Taiwan must take advantage of all opportunities to participate in international organizations and international affairs so that its voice may be heard and so as to promote Taiwan, especially its contributions to the international community.

September 5, 2007
In a meeting with a delegation of Democratic Party of Japan parliamentarians, led by House of Representatives Member Nagashima Akihisa, President Chen Shui-bian states that China's military spending has grown at an annual double-digit pace since the Tiananmen Incident. The spending has already exceeded what is needed for China's self-defense. He believes that Beijing may have other plans and that when the time comes, the U.S. and Japan may be the first to be affected.

September 5, 2007
In a meeting with Heritage Foundation Distinguished Fellow Ambassador Harvey Feldman, President Chen Shui-bian states that United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has been misled to believe that UN Resolution No. 2758 considers Taiwan to be a part of the People's Republic of China. Not only does this run counter to the facts, but it is also an interpretation that shows an abuse of authority.

September 5, 2007
Responding to a statement by the Chinese leadership regarding Taiwan's referendum on United Nations (UN) membership, the MAC states that the greatest obstacles to making a breakthrough in cross-strait relations lies in the Beijing regime's inability to comprehend the democratic ideal that "the sovereignty belongs to the people," its stubborn insistence on the ossified "one China" principle, and its refusal to acknowledge the historical fact that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. In addition, Beijing attempts to enforce the "de jure annexation" of Taiwan as well as seeks "unification through military force," which has seriously hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people.

September 5, 2007
The Department of Health under the Executive Yuan will carry out strict inspection measures on Chinese mitten crabs imported from China and carefully check on import inspection operations.

September 5, 2007
According to statistics, as of June 2007, residents of Taiwan had made an accumulated 44.62 million person-trips to China; and Chinese residents had made an accumulated more than 1.5 million person-trips to Taiwan. In the first half of 2007, Taiwan residents made 2.2 million person-trips to China, an increase of 5.4 percent over the same period a year before; and Chinese residents made 11,000 person-trips to Taiwan, an increase of 10.7 percent over the same period a year before. Of the total Chinese person-trips to Taiwan, 17,438 were related to 3,434 exchange activities.

September 5, 2007
Dai Xiaofeng, director-general of the Exchange Bureau of the Chinese State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, states in an interview with Xinhua News Agency that China has offered 54 preferential policy measures for Taiwan since 2005.

September 6, 2007
In a videoconference with panelists at the Washington D.C.-based American Enterprise Institute, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan's direct application to join the United Nations (UN) as a new member under the name of "Taiwan" not only reflects the fact that Taiwan is a sovereign country, but also stems from the general need to defend the status quo of the Taiwan Strait from being unilaterally changed by China. Taiwan has no intentions of challenging UN Resolution No. 2758, or of engaging in a fight with the PRC over "China's representation." Therefore, Taiwan's bid to join the UN under the name of "Taiwan" definitely does not involve a change in Taiwan's national moniker and therefore does not violate the oft-repeated "four noes" pledge to the international community.

September 6, 2007
In response to statements made by Chinese President Hu Jintao after a bilateral meeting in Australia, the MAC issues a statement indicating that the voice for holding a public referendum on Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations (UN) comes from the public. Taiwan's efforts are aimed at safeguarding cross-strait status quo against any unilateral change by China. Therefore, the Taiwanese government solemnly urges the United States to face up to the threats that China's military expansion has caused to security in the Taiwan Strait and to firmly oppose China's attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait through the use of force.

September 6, 2007
Cross-Strait Mid-Autumn Festival flights will be offered over a 15-day period from September 18 to October 2, 2007. There will be a total of 24 round-trip flights provided by 12 airlines from the five flight destinations of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiamen in China and Taipei in Taiwan.

September 6, 2007
In a meeting with U.S. President George Bush in Sydney, Australia, Chinese President Hu Jintao states that 2007 and 2008 will be a highly dangerous period for the cross-strait situation. The Taiwanese authorities have ignored warnings and brazenly promoted the "referendum on Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations (UN)," "application to join the UN," and other secessionist "Taiwan independence" activities. China must give Taiwan an even stronger warning. Any form of "Taiwan independence" secessionist activity is bound to fail.

September 6, 2007
In a meeting with Taiwanese business representatives in Xiamen, Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi expresses three hopes and demands regarding the promotion of cross-strait economic relations and the maintenance of peaceful development of cross-strait relations: 1. To maintain the overall peaceful development in cross-strait relations with one heart and one mind; 2. To deepen cooperation on promoting the continued sound development of cross-strait economic and trade relations; and 3. To fulfill promises to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwanese businesspeople.

September 6, 2007
In an interview with the Fujian Daily, Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) Deputy Director Zheng Lizhong states that the TAO will continue to support the establishment of an Economic Zone on the West Coast of the Taiwan Strait and to support the strengthening and expansion of exchanges and cooperation between Fujian and Taiwan.

September 6, 2007
Tourism departments in Fujian Province indicate that Taiwanese compatriots have made 7.36 million person-trips to Fujian since Taiwan began allowing family-related visits to China in 1987. This is the highest number of Taiwanese visitors received by any Chinese province.

September 6, 2007
Responding to a question from the press, Jiang Xiaoyu, executive vice-president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), states that according to the BOCOG's plan announced on April 26, 2007, the Olympic Torch relay route should be categorized into the domestic portion of the relay and the overseas portion of the relay. The overseas Torch relay route is scheduled to pass through 22 cities, including Taipei.

September 6, 2007
At the opening ceremony for the Third Cross-Strait Travel Fair, China's National Tourism Administration Director Shao Qiwei announces that civilian tourism organizations in Fujian Province will soon invite their Penghu counterparts to hold talks on "Penghu travel."

September 6, 2007
In a meeting with representatives of Taiwan's travel industry at the Third Cross-Strait Travel Fair, Taiwan Affairs Office Deputy Director Zheng Lizhong says that the Taiwan authorities have intentionally used the Shin Kong Place incident to alienate the feelings of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

September 7, 2007
In a meeting with U.S. Former Deputy National Security Advisor James Steinberg, President Chen Shui-bian stresses that in light of China's military threat and its efforts to diplomatically suppress Taiwan, Taiwan has no choice but to hold firm on many issues. However, nothing Taiwan is doing involves changing the national moniker, nor does it violate the "four noes" pledge. Taiwan is not attempting to change the status quo. Rather, it is seeking to defend and maintain the status quo, as reflected by its actions.

September 7, 2007
Regarding the issue of the Olympic Torch relay route through Taiwan, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states that the Torch relay route will be acceptable for Taiwan if Taipei is treated as one of the overseas cities on the Torch relay route, if Taiwan's sovereignty will not be dwarfed, and if the issue is handled in a manner consistent with the principles of reciprocity and dignity and the spirit of the Olympic Games.

September 7, 2007
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong indicates that with regard to the Olympic Torch relay route through Taiwan, the Taiwan side urges Beijing promptly sign an agreement on the consensus reached and not deliberately raise new conditions. He also stresses that if the Olympic Torch were to pass through Taiwan, based on the Taiwanese government's consistent position, it must abide by the Olympic protocol and obtain the approval of Taiwan. This must also be conducted under the principles that Taiwan's sovereignty must not be dwarfed and that this will be conducive to the promotion of positive cross-strait interaction.

September 7, 2007
At a press briefing, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that Taiwan's refusal to accept the arrangements for the Olympic Torch relay route is mainly because of the deliberate attempts by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) to dwarf Taiwan's sovereignty, which not only violates the agreement made in 1989 to refer to Taiwan as "China Taipei" in Chinese moniker, but even refers to the Taipei leg of the Torch relay route as the first stop of China's domestic route. However, after Taiwan informed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of the situation, the IOC writes to us confirming that the BOCOG will abide by the 1989 agreement. Beijing also makes a goodwill response by referring to Taiwan as "Chinese Taipei" and replacing the original words with more neutral terms of "domestic" and "overseas" in describing the status of the Torch relay legs.

September 7, 2007
The MAC releases the latest public opinion survey on the 2008 Beijing Olympic Torch relay route through Taiwan. According to the survey, if China no long dwarfs Taiwan's status, 78.5 percent of the Taiwanese people agree to let the Olympic Torch to come to Taiwan; and 73.2 percent of the public support the government to continue negotiations with Beijing so that the Torch can come to Taiwan.

September 7, 2007
The Service Office for Return Taiwanese Investment at the Department of Investment Services under the Ministry of Economic Affairs completes a list of 16 industries suitable for investment in industrial value chains as a reference for China-based Taiwanese businesspeople in investing back to Taiwan. The department hopes through this convenient and proactive service to accelerate the implementation of investment projects.

September 7, 2007
The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection under the Ministry of Economic Affairs conducts a spot check of toothpaste used in tourist hotels and inns. It discovers that the Chinese "Fresh" brand of toothpaste has a diethylene glycol content of four. It immediately notifies the supplier of the need to stop supplying this toothpaste brand for consumer use and to carry out a full recall.

September 7, 2007
The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection under the Ministry of Economic Affairs reminds that consumers should be alert to the U.S. recall of Chinese-made outdoor candles.

September 7, 2007
At the invitation of the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association, Chinese basketball player Yao Ming comes to Taiwan for an exchange visit.

September 7, 2007
At a regular press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu states that the vast majority of African countries stick to the "one China" principle. The Taiwan-Africa Summit to be held on September 9, 2007
does not enjoy popular support.

September 8, 2007
The Straits Exchange Foundation holds a "Happiness in Taiwan" fair in Taichung for Chinese spouses in Taiwan.

September 8, 2007
Responding to a question from the press on the Taiwan-Africa Summit, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu indicates that the real purpose of the Chen Shui-bian administration in hosting the summit, the Taiwan-Africa Progress Partnership Forum, and a summit of African industrial and business leaders is to carry out "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities internationally, further intensify Taiwan's "money diplomacy," and undermine Sino-African friendship. China strongly opposes this.

September 9, 2007
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong publishes a paper explaining that the government's strategic objective in cross-strait relations is to "normalize cross-strait relations." The guiding principles in advancing towards this strategic objective are "goodwill, active cooperation and permanent peace"; and the policies for achieving this objective are:

1. Consolidate Taiwan's internal consensus on national position: Taiwan is an independent sovereign country; its national name is the Republic of China, as stipulated in the Constitution.
2. Offer a vision of coexistence and co-prosperity: The integration model of the European Union (EU) will serve as a brand new mode of thinking on future cross-strait relations.
3. Negotiate on a peaceful and stable framework for cross-strait interactions: make transitional arrangements for progress toward the vision.
4. Develop cross-strait economic and trade cooperation: consider both national security and cross-strait economic and trade interests.
5. Assist China in promoting political democratization: resolve the fundamental cross-strait contradictions.

September 9, 2007
Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee Chairman Tsai Chen-wei states that the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) has added one or two new rules regarding the Olympic Torch relay route through Taiwan, making Taiwan unable to sign the agreement.

September 10, 2007
In a videoconference for the 34th annual conference of the World Federation of Taiwanese Associations (WFTA) in Osaka, Japan, President Chen Shui-bian states that it is a historical fact that "there is one country on each side of the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan on one side, and China on the other." It is also the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

September 10, 2007
At the opening ceremony of the 2007 Taiwan-Africa Progressive Partnership Forum, President Chen Shui-bian states that exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and African countries have been considerably affected by China's suppression, boycotts, and blockading of Taiwan. China has used various means to obstruct Taiwan's African friends from coming to Taiwan for the forum. It also pressured various governments and even prohibited non-governmental organizations from sending representatives to Taiwan.

September 11, 2007
Taiwan is prevented for the first time from participating in a meeting of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal because "Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations (UN)." Executive Yuan spokesman Shieh Jhy-wey strongly reprimands the UN for violating the spirit of the UN Charter by bowing to China's political manipulation and sinking to the level of a hired thug persecuting human rights.

September 11, 2007
Responding to a statement issued by China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), the MAC indicates that joining the United Nations is the explicit aspiration of the overwhelming majority of the Taiwanese people. This aspiration reflects the basic demand of the Taiwanese people that the national status be duly respected and that their right to participation in the international community be duly protected. Related TAO officials' attempts to use intimidating words to threaten the Taiwanese people have highlighted Beijing's peremptory actions, which will only arouse resentment and alienate both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The MAC also appeals again to the Beijing authorities to sign the agreement as soon as possible based on the consensus reached with the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee at the end of August, so that the Olympic Torch can smoothly come to Taiwan.

September 11, 2007
Chen Huei-ying, director of the Department of Cultural and Educational Affairs under the MAC, publishes a paper indicating that, in order to establish an orderly exchange environment, current regulations on specialized cross-strait exchanges require that Chinese persons visiting Taiwan have relevant specializations, and that their visit to Taiwan be related to that specialization. More importantly, there can be no arbitrary changes to their itinerary after arriving in Taiwan. Yao Ming applied to visit Taiwan as a professional athlete. Fundraising is not a sports-related activity, yet Mr. Yao publicly engaged in fundraising activities during his visit to the Hsinchu Science Park. Government agencies must follow consistent standards in enforcing the law, and under the current regulations no itinerary changes are permitted.

September 12, 2007
Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee Chairman Tsai Chen-wei states that after Taiwan and China reached a "three-point consensus" on the Olympic Torch relay route through Taiwan, the Beijing side raised new condition to demand that the memoir of the meeting signed in February 2007 be added as a last minute proviso, which was unacceptable to Taiwan.

September 12, 2007
Representatives of Beijing Hualian Group and Taiwan's Shin Kong Mitsukoshi sign a declaration of a three-point agreement reached on the dispute over each party's compliance with the cooperation agreement on their joint venture Hualian Shin Kong Department Store (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

September 12, 2007
At a press conference, Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Li Weiyi states that Chen Shui-bian's attempt to change the status quo in which "both sides of the Strait belong to one China" by passing a "referendum on UN membership" is a Taiwan independence action, so of course the one responsible is Chen Shui-bian. Furthermore, no new demands or condition have been raised between the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad and the Taiwan's Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee regarding the Olympic Torch relay route through Taiwan. Rather, it is the Taiwan side alone that is trying to overturn the consensus reached between the two sides in February this year. China hopes that the Taiwan authorities will not create new political obstacles in this matter.

September 13, 2007
During a videoconference with members of the European Parliament, President Chen Shui-bian states that, the principle of universality enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Charter gives Taiwan every right to apply for UN membership. Taiwan has long been excluded from the UN system solely because of China's intimidation and suppression. President Chen sincerely hopes that the 15 members of the UN Security Council and the other member states will defend the principal of universality so that Taiwan's application to join the UN can be reviewed in a just and reasonable manner.

September 13, 2007
In an interview with a visiting group of Asian correspondents from major electronic media, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong emphasizes that Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) is a demonstration of the collective will of the Taiwanese people, and that the international community should respect and listen closely to the voice of the 23 million Taiwanese people. Chairman Chen indicates that both pre-unification East and West Germany and the still-divided North and South Korea each had a seat at the UN, proving that UN membership will not affect the issue of whether or not both sides of the Taiwan Strait can be unified in the future. However, due to China's peremptory obstruction and suppression, Taiwan has been excluded from the UN for 13 years. This is a source of deep discouragement and dissatisfaction to the 23 million Taiwanese people.

September 13, 2007
The Keelung Customs Office states that working together with the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, it has inspected and seized suspected sub-standard frozen river shrimp smuggled into Taiwan from China.

September 13, 2007
At a regular press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu states that the US government has reiterated on many occasions its position recently on pursuing the "one China" policy, abiding by the three China-US joint communiques, as well as opposing Taiwan's referendum on UN membership. Beijing hopes the US honor its commitment to China on the Taiwan issue and join hand in hand with China to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the general interest of Sino-US relations.

September 13, 2007
At a welcome reception hosted by the Japan-China Friendship Association, Jia Qinglin, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, emphasizes that the Chen Shui-bian administration has ignored the strong opposition of the international community by insisting on promoting a referendum on Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations (UN), applying for Taiwan's membership in the UN under the name of "Taiwan," and engaging in other "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities. This has seriously challenged the peace and stability of cross-strait relations and the Taiwan Strait area. China genuinely hopes that the government and people of Japan will clearly recognize the nature and harm of "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces, and will work together with the international community in jointly sending a clear message of opposition to "Taiwan independence" to maintain peace and stability in the region.

September 14, 2007
In a videoconference with the Overseas Press Club of America, President Chen Shui-bian states that United Nations (UN) Resolution No. 2758 only addresses the issue of the representation of "China," but does not touch upon the issue of Taiwan's representation. Accordingly, the People's Republic of China (PRC) has no right, nor does it have the legitimacy, to represent the people of Taiwan in the United Nations. Moreover, due to China's rapid military build-up and the continuous shift of military equilibrium in the Taiwan Strait towards China's favor, this seriously threatens the security, stability and peace of the entire Asian Pacific region. If Taiwan becomes a member of the UN, a broader and more stable mechanism for dialogue and negotiations could be established. Such a mechanism would be conducive to reducing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Therefore, Taiwan's application to join the UN under the name of "Taiwan" not only has nothing to do with changing the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, but it will also ensures that the status quo is not changed by China.
President Chen also states that joining the UN under the name "Taiwan" does not involve a change of national moniker. In fact, about 40 percent of UN member states did not join the UN under their national moniker. This is only a means for the 23 million people of Taiwan to express their view that they are not part of the PRC.

September 14, 2007
At a press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Michael Y.L. You indicates that in recent times, public opinion in Taiwan has repeatedly shown the people's explicit aspiration of joining the United Nations (UN), coupled with a determination to firmly safeguard Taiwan's own democratic system and national sovereignty. The September 15 rally is the reflection of the fact that the Taiwanese people have taken the initiative in demonstrating their collective will. In consideration of the long-term development of cross-strait relations, the MAC urges that the Beijing authorities should not maliciously distort the purpose of the rally, nor should they attempt to take any irrational actions against Taiwan.

September 14, 2007
The MAC issues a press release regarding the government's views on the issue of protecting the investment rights and interests of Taiwanese businesspeople in China. The press release states that Taiwan cannot rely only on Beijing's unilateral measures and "rule by people" to protect the rights and interests of Taiwanese businesspeople in China. Rather, both sides need to negotiate on the establishment of an institutionalized protection mechanism. Taiwan demands that China show sincerity in protecting Taiwanese businesspeople and negotiate with Taiwan on protecting the rights and interests of Taiwanese businesspeople as soon as possible. Furthermore, cross-strait economic and trade dispute arbitration should be handled through institutionalized arrangements established through negotiations involving government authority to ensure that there is no improper political interference by Chinese authorities.

September 15, 2007
At the opening ceremony of the 9th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention, Jia Qinglin, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, states that the Chen Shui-bian administration has intensified its promotion of a referendum on United Nations (UN) membership, application for Taiwan's membership in the UN under the name of "Taiwan," and engagement in other "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities with the aim of dividing Taiwan from China, which has seriously threatened peace in the Taiwan Strait. China continues to carry through with its major policy decisions on Taiwan-related work. It firmly opposes any change to one China and will never compromise on its opposition to "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities. China staunchly opposes "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities in any form and will unceasingly promote personal, economic and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.

September 16, 2007
The MAC expresses strong protest over malicious criticism made by the Taiwan Affairs Office against the September 15 march in support of Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations (UN). It also notes that the march has received a high degree of international attention, and various sectors of the global community have gradually understood the resolve of the Taiwanese people to seek UN membership by peaceful, rational and democratic means. The Chinese authorities, however, have repeatedly disregarded the reality and public opinion response in Taiwan, in an attempt to muddle-headedly fabricate erroneous lies and spread misunderstanding and erroneous information to mislead the international community. China is the very culprit that brings cross-strait relations to a dangerous brink.

September 16, 2007
Responding to remarks made by Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian during a march held by the Democratic Progressive Party, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of China's State Council states that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Under the major principles of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and deterring secessionist activities, China will never waver, compromise, equivocate over or allow any person to separate Taiwan from the motherland by any means.

September 16, 2007
At a press briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu states that China hopes the US will strictly abide by its solemn commitment on the Taiwan issue with concrete actions, immediately cancel the special plans of arms sales to Taiwan, stop selling weapons to Taiwan, cut off military links with Taiwan and stop sending any wrong signals to secessionist forces advocating "Taiwan independence."

September 17, 2007
In a press release on expanding the working rights of Chinese spouses, the MAC indicates that at present about 60 percent of the Chinese spouses in Taiwan have working rights, and the remaining 40 percent either do not meet the requirements for a work permit or have not yet applied for a work permit. The MAC will coordinate with the Council of Labor Affairs and other agencies on jointly reviewing any adjustments to the working rights of Chinese spouses. At the same time, since this matter involves immigration policy, the employment market, and government investment of resources in occupational training and employment assistance, the MAC will also collect assessments and opinions from various agencies and submit any adjustment plans to the Executive Yuan for approval.

September 17, 2007
The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of China's State Council holds the 2007 leaders' meeting of the Association of Taiwan Compatriots' Investment Enterprises.

September 18, 2007
The most recent statistics from the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce indicate that the value of indirect cross-strait trade in the first eight months of 2007 amounted to US$77.54 billion, a 13 percent increase from the same period a year before. Chinese exports to Taiwan increased by 14.4 percent to reach US$15.18 billion; and Chinese imports from Taiwan increased by 12.6 percent to US$62.36 billion.

September 19, 2007
The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection under the Ministry of Economic Affairs will cooperate with the Directorate General of Customs under the Ministry of Finance to conduct border spot checks of high-risk bedding and toothpaste products imported from China. Products that do not comply with regulations may not be sold on the market and in serious cases, importation may be prohibited.

September 19, 2007
At a meeting of the United Nations (UN) General Committee, China's UN Ambassador Wang Guangya states that there is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. UN General Assembly Resolution No. 2758, adopted in 1971, explicitly stipulates that the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations.

September 20, 2007
The Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs releases data indicating that in August 2007 approval was granted for 100 China-bound investments with a total value of US$1,406,493,000. In the first eight months of 2007, there were 693 approved China-bound investments with a total value of US$6,237,611,000, up 1.61% and 35.81%, respectively, from the same period of 2006.

September 20, 2007
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu states that the General Committee of the 62nd Session of the UN General Assembly refuses to include the proposal of the so-called "Taiwan's bid to join the UN" into the agenda of the 62nd UN General Assembly. It proves again that no one could change the fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Any action that runs counter to the UN Charter and Resolution 2758 of the UN General Assembly will never be supported by the vast majority of the UN members. Any attempt that defies the "one China" principle and aims at splitting China is doomed to failure.

September 21, 2007
The Executive Yuan establishes an "Interagency Task Force on the Safety of Imported Goods" to effectively prevent the sale of substandard food on the market from endangering the safety and health of the people of Taiwan. The task force will designate a list and supervision/management timetable for strengthened examination and seizure of substandard products from China.

September 21, 2007
The National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior repatriates 132 illegal Chinese immigrants from Matsu.

September 21, 2007
The Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee (CTOC) and Sports Affairs Council of the Executive Yuan issue a press release stating that after the CTOC and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) have negotiated and communicated on the arrangement of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Torch relay route through Taiwan, no agreement can be reached. Taiwan expresses deep regret that it has been confirmed the Olympic Torch cannot come to Taiwan.

September 21, 2007
China's ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Wang Guangya emphasizes in remarks to the UN General Assembly that the UN is an intergovernmental organization that only sovereign countries can join. Taiwan is a part of China and therefore does not qualify for membership in the UN. Any sovereign country in the world would not agree to allow a domestic region of its own to join the United Nations. This fact is also applicable to those that raised the motion for Taiwan's UN membership.

September 21, 2007
Jiang Xiaoyu, executive vice-president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), announces that since the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee has unilaterally terminated negotiations on the Olympic Torch relay route through Taiwan, the International Olympic Committee has officially notified the BOCOG to cancel the Torch relay route through Taiwan. It is the Taiwan authorities that should take full responsibility for not allowing the Olympic Torch to pass through Taiwan, he says.

September 22, 2007
In an interview with CNBC Asia anchor Martin Soong, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan and the People's Republic of China are two separate countries, neither of which exercises effective jurisdiction over the other. This is a fact. This is the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. All our efforts are thus aimed at defending the status quo from being destroyed or changed.

September 22, 2007
Responding to the suggestion of the United Nations (UN) General Committee that the motion on Taiwan's membership in the UN not be included in the agenda for discussion during the second plenary meeting of the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a press release indicating that this is the first time that Taiwan's motion has been discussed in a comprehensive, open and adequate manner. This is deeply significant as it indicates a high level of importance is attached by all sides to Taiwan's request for UN membership.

September 22, 2007
The Fuzhou City Department of Education issues "Provisional Regulations on the School Enrollment of the Children of Taiwanese Businesspeople." Under the regulations, the children of Taiwanese businesspeople will be allowed to enroll in any of 29 designated elementary schools in Fuzhou.

September 23, 2007
In an interview with editor-in-chief Gerhard Sporl and Beijing correspondent Andreas Lorenz of the international edition of German Weekly Der Spiegel, President Chen Shui-bian states that the main reasons that cross-strait relations cannot be normalized are: Firstly, China does not acknowledge, does not respect and does not accept that the fact and status quo that Taiwan is a sovereign country; Secondly, the Beijing authorities insist on their "one China" principle, believe that there is only one China in the world, and believe that this "one China" is the People's Republic of China (PRC), of which Taiwan is a part; and Thirdly, China's Taiwan policy is based on marginalizing, localizing, degovernmentalizing, and stripping the sovereignty of Taiwan. However, the 23 million Taiwanese people know that Taiwan is a sovereign state and that under no circumstances does it belong to China.

September 24, 2007
The second plenary meeting of the 7th-term Directors' Meeting of the China Council for the Promotion of the Peaceful Reunification (CCPPR) convenes in Beijing.

September 24, 2007
In a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi states that through their stubborn promotion of the referendum on United Nations (UN) membership, application for Taiwan's membership in the UN under the name of "Taiwan," and other "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities, the Taiwan authorities have hesitated at nothing to stir up cross-strait conflict and create a crisis in the Taiwan Strait. The situation in the Taiwan Strait is highly sensitive and complex. China lauds the US for reiterating its firm adherence to the "one China" policy and the three Sino-US joint communiques, and opposition to the promotion of the referendum on UN membership by the Taiwanese authorities. China hopes that the US will join China in deterring "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities so as to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the joint interests of China and the U.S.

September 24, 2007
At the second plenary meeting of the 7th-term Directors' Meeting of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification (CCPPR) in Beijing, Chairman Jia Qinglin of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference says that when facing the current situation in the Taiwan Strait, the Chinese government will unswervingly and thoroughly carry out its major policy decisions on Taiwan-related work and continue to achieve peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and effort. It also firmly opposes attempts by "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces to divide Taiwan from China by any means.

September 26, 2007
In response to a distorting statement made by the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council at a September 26 press conference on cross-strait consultations issues, the MAC issues a statement indicating that since the holding of the Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) in April this year, China has raised new opinions on minor issues and has even been unwilling to confirm the consensus that was already reached. It apparently intends to delay the progress of the negotiations and even deliberately distorts the facts to put the blame on Taiwan. Taiwan therefore urges the Chinese agencies responsible for Taiwan affairs to consult with the specialized units in charge of negotiations to clear up the relevant facts and not to invariably blame others, so as to avoid this matter from continuing to affect benign interactions between both sides.

September 26, 2007
At a press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) under China's State Council, TAO spokesperson Li Weiyi indicates that the wording regarding "Taiwan Republic" violates the "one China" policy of the international community, the United Nations (UN) Charter, and UN Resolution No. 2578. China opposes and denounces it. The 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) will decide at particular time in the future on the guiding thought, overall requirements and main tasks regarding recent trends and developments in the Taiwan Strait. If Taiwan's military deploys missiles aimed at China, Li says that, whoever plays with fire gets burnt.

September 27, 2007
In a speech delivered at the flag-bestowing ceremony for the 12th Special Olympics World Summer Games, President Chen Shui-bian stresses that Taiwan cannot vie with China for the right to represent "one China." What Taiwan can strive for is the right to represent Taiwan and the right of the 23 million Taiwanese people for representation in the United Nations.

September 27, 2007
At the evening banquet for the 2007 Mid-Autumn Festival Gathering of Taiwanese Businesspeople, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states that Taiwan will actively promote all matters beneficial to both sides of the Taiwan Strait. If negotiations can be held, they should be held promptly so that an agreement can be actively reached.

September 27, 2007
The Straits Exchange Foundation holds the 2007 Mid-Autumn Festival Gathering of Taiwanese Businesspeople and the 7th Taiwanese Businesspeople's Golf Tournament in Taoyuan.

September 27, 2007
The MAC indicates that in the cases involving the registration by people in China of Taiwan's tea producing areas as trademarks, administrative relief or legal proceedings have been initiated according to China's legal system.

September 27, 2007
At the 2007 Mid-Autumn Festival gathering of Taiwanese businesspeople hosted by the Businesspeople's Associations and the Straits Exchange Foundation, Straits Exchange Foundation Chairman Hung Chi-chang states that in the current stage, Taiwan should promote weekend cross-strait charter flights and expand the flight destinations for holiday cross-strait charter flights from the current four destinations (Shanghai, Beijing, Xiamen and Guangzhou) to eight destinations with the inclusion of Hangzhou, Chengdu, Fuzhou and Nanjing.

September 27, 2007
At a regular press briefing, Ministry of Commerce Spokesman Wang Xinpei states that from October 1, 2007, China will introduce on a trial basis a more open policy for some small-volume trade items with Taiwan at some experimental spots, to promote the fast development of such kind of trade with Taiwan.

September 28, 2007
At a press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Chen-yuan Tung states that the Beijing authorities claim that the difficulty in exporting Chinese mitten crabs to Taiwan has been due to Taiwan's excessively stringent inspection and quarantine requirements. Such a statement has not only revealed the Chinese authorities' disregard for the fact that substandard, or the so-called "black-hearted" food products have endangered the public's health, but it has also highlighted their abominable attitude toward and their complete disregard for consumers' rights and interests. This is something we find totally unacceptable.

September 28, 2007
The Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council claims that Taiwan's demand in August that pharmaceutical residue in Chinese mitten crabs imported from China must be below detectable levels is too strict. The MAC indicates that in October 2006, nitrofuran metabolites were found in Chinese mitten crabs imported from China. Therefore, the Department of Health under the Executive Yuan strengthened management and supervision measures according to stipulations of the Regulations Governing the Inspection of Imported Foods newly revised on July 1, 2007.

September 29, 2007
At the evening banquet of the 2007 Mid-Autumn Festival Gathering of Taiwanese Businesspeople and the 7th Taiwanese Businesspeople's Golf Tournament, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states that due to the changing business conditions, China-bound Taiwanese businesspeople have thus faced increasing risks in China. The Straits Exchange Foundation currently provides various types of professional assistance to Taiwanese businesspeople through its economic, trade, financial and legal consultant teams and team of volunteer lawyers, in order to truly realize the government's policy objective of actively serving the exchange and interaction needs of people on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

September 29, 2007
During a general debate at the 62nd session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi emphasizes that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of China. China will never allow the "one China" principle or UN Resolution No. 2758 to be challenged.

October 1, 2007
At a symposium marking the anniversary of the mainland's official opening to Taiwan media, Ye Kedong, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council, states that China will promote the mutual dispatching of resident correspondents across the Taiwan Strait.

October 1, 2007
Officials at the Central Office for Taiwan Affairs indicate that the "Resolution on Making Taiwan a Normal Nation" passed by the National Party Congress of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) brazenly mentions the need to "complete, as soon as possible, the rectification of Taiwan's title, draft a new constitution, and hold a referendum at a suitable time to so as to highlight that Taiwan is an independent sovereign state." The resolution also calls for Taiwan to apply for membership in the United Nations and other international organizations under the name of "Taiwan" and also presents a series of other views that ignore the facts, show an ignorance of current trends and are subjective fabrications. These are the new guiding principles flung out by Chen Shui-bian and a minority of stubborn "Taiwan independence" supporters in the DPP in their continued attempts to achieve "de jure Taiwan independence" through constitutional reform and the holding of a referendum.

October 1, 2007
The Ministry of Public Security implements 12 new measures, including measures that exempt all Chinese citizens, including residents of the mainland area, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese, from filling out an Exit Registration Card.

October 3, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that the Chinese government has always treated with indifference the universal values of freedom, democracy and human rights. Under the pretext of "national security" it has persistently oppressed dissidents and human rights supporters, as well as imposed restrictions on the media. For the sake of diplomatic interests, Beijing has also been a long-time supporter of the Burmese government and has turned a blind eye to that regime's violent suppression of Buddhist monks and the Burmese people. The MAC hopes the international community will not only put pressure on China, but also take concrete actions and measures to further demand that the Chinese government make improvements with regard to its persecution of freedom and human rights and other such behavior.

October 4, 2007
The MAC issues a declaration to clarify the remarks made by Ma Ying-jeou criticizing the government's policy regarding the cross-strait direct transportation links, stating that his criticisms do not conform with the facts. The declaration indicates that the Chinese authorities have engaged in political manipulations based on various motives, thus creating obstacles to cross-strait negotiations and policy implementation. Therefore, in order to smoothly promote cargo and passenger charter flights and follow-up negotiations on the direct transportation links, the ruling and opposition political parties in Taiwan should adopt a consistent position in urging the Chinese authorities to accelerate negotiations with the Taiwanese government. They should not launch groundless accusations and criticisms against the government; more importantly, Ma should avoid being unwittingly used as a bargaining chip in domestic political power struggle due to Beijing's political manipulations.

October 4, 2007
In an interview with China Taiwan.org, Taiwan Affairs Office Director Chen Yunlin states that "Taiwan's planned referendum on its bid to join the United Nations" is an attempt to change the status quo in which China and Taiwan are both part of one China and a major step towards "de jure Taiwan independence." It is therefore a "Taiwan independence" referendum in disguise. There are currently two routes before the Taiwanese authorities: One route is to pull back before it is too late by stopping "Taiwan independence "separatist activities; and the other is to cling obstinately to the course of vainly trying to separate Taiwan from China, in which case, those who play with fire will get burnt.

October 8, 2007
In a special article in the Youth Daily News, MAC Vice Chairman Chen-yuan Tung indicates that China's military buildup is aimed not just at Taiwan but also at establishing a hegemonic position in the Asia-Pacific region and at dictating the international political and economic order and values. The tensions and conflict in cross-strait relations are rooted in the Chinese government's attempts at eliminating the Republic of China and annexing Taiwan to accomplish the so-called "grand endeavor of national unification." This ambition is the source of the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

October 8, 2007
China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) sends a letter to the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) expressing sympathy for Taiwanese compatriots killed or affected by typhoon Krosa.

October 9, 2007
In a meeting with a delegation of members from the United States Republican National Committee, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that the people of Taiwan have the right to participate in the international community, and that Taiwan has the right to become an official member of international organizations. This is the health human right, political human right and collective human right of the Taiwanese people.

October 9, 2007
During a meeting with Peter Hickman, vice chairman of the National Press Club (NPC) Newsmaker Committee, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states that people have the right to express different political views. Taiwan faces China's verbal and military intimidation and threats, diplomatic pressure, economic united front tactics and quest to make Taiwan politically a part of the People's Republic of China as a local government or special administrative region. The 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to say "No" to this and to refuse it through the democratic process of a plebiscite. This is the political right and civil liberty of the 23 million people of Taiwan.

October 9, 2007
At a National Day welcome banquet for Hong Kong visitors, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that the Chinese authorities have repeatedly declared to the world that Taiwan's planned referendum on its bid to join the United Nations (UN) involves constitutional reform and a change of the national moniker and flag. In fact, over the years, Taiwan has applied under different names for membership in international organizations such as the World Trade Organization and the International Olympic Committee. Therefore, Taiwan's UN membership bid under the name of "Taiwan" does not involve the so-called issue of changing the national moniker or revising the constitution.

October 9, 2007
In an interview with China Taiwan.org, Yang Liuchang, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Department under the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, states that Hong Kong and Macao will continue to promote personnel contacts and other exchanges with Taiwan according to the Basic Law and Qian Qichen's "seven principles."

October 10, 2007
In his 2007 National Day Address, President Chen Shui-bian states that United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution 2758, passed on October 25, 1971, neither defined Taiwan as a part of the People's Republic of China (PRC) nor affirmed the proposition that the PRC has any right to sovereignty over Taiwan. Taiwan and the PRC are two sovereign, independent nations, and neither exercises jurisdiction over the other. This is a historical fact and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The PRC has neither the right nor the ability to represent the 23 million people of Taiwan. The Taiwanese people have the right to demand appropriate representation in the UN. They also have the right to apply for admission to the UN as a new member under the name "Taiwan."

October 11, 2007
During a press conference at the Office of the President, President Chen Shui-bian states that, in the face of China's unrelenting military threats, diplomatic suppression, and economic united front tactics against Taiwan, the people of Taiwan have constantly lived under the shadow of a Chinese military attack and therefore have not been able to enjoy the "freedom from fear." In addition to strengthening Taiwan's national defenses and upgrading it self-defense capability, the government in the future will actively seek support from the free democracies of the world and vigorously strive for Taiwan's membership in the United Nations and the World Health Organization under the name of "Taiwan." Through collective security mechanisms, the government will also work to ensure that China does not unilaterally change the peaceful status quo of the Taiwan Strait and the status quo of Taiwan's democracy.

October 11, 2007
MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates that the MAC began planning the opening up of Taiwan to visits by Chinese tourists in 2002. However, China has not yet lifted its restrictions on tourism visits to Taiwan by its citizens. The obstacles preventing Chinese tourists from visiting Taiwan are mainly due to political factors. Vice Chairman Liu expresses hope that both sides can as soon as possible reach a consensus on unresolved issues and ideally also complete negotiations on passenger and cargo charter flights at the same time so that Chinese tourists can visit Taiwan directly via charter flights.

October 11, 2007
At a regular press briefing, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao states that the title of Taiwan "President" Cheng Shui-bian does not accord with Taiwan's position. Taiwan is an unalienable part of China.

October 11, 2007
Vice Governor Li Chuan of Fujian Province states that Fujian will strengthen tracking, compilation and study of Taiwan standards and establish a sound database and search system for Taiwan standards at the Fujian branch of the National Standards Hall to create a Taiwan Standards Research Center.

October 15, 2007
In response to the contents of the "political report" delivered by Communist Party of China (CPC) General Secretary Hu Jintao at the opening of the 17th National Congress of the CPC, the MAC issues a press release reiterating that the future of Taiwan should be decided by the 23 million Taiwanese people of their own accord. This is the unswerving position and consensus among the Taiwanese people. China's unilateral imposition of its "one China" principle on the Taiwanese people is presently the biggest obstacle to cross-strait relations. The MAC urges 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.

October 15, 2007
In a report delivered at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Chinese President Hu Jintao emphasizes that China will uphold the principle of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems" and the eight-point proposal for developing the relations between both sides of the Taiwan Strait and advancing the process of peaceful national reunification in the present stage. China will never waver in its commitment to the "one China" principle, never abandon its efforts to achieve peaceful reunification, never change the policy of placing hopes on the people in Taiwan and never compromise in its opposition to the secessionist activities aimed at "Taiwan independence." China makes a solemn appeal: On the basis of the "one China" principle, let us discuss a formal end to the state of hostility between both sides, reach a peace agreement, construct a framework for peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, and thus usher in a new phase of peaceful development.

October 15, 2007
During the group discussion of the People's Liberation Army delegation at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Guo Boxiong states that the national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of China will be firmly protected, "Taiwan independence" separatist activities will be firmly opposed, and no person will be allowed under any name to separate Taiwan from China.

October 16, 2007
During a visit to Keelung, President Chen Shui-bian states that if China really wants to promote a cross-strait peace accord, it must first do three things: abandon the framework of its "one China principle"; abolish the "anti-separation law," which provides a legal basis for militarily attacking Taiwan; and immediately remove all of the 988 tactical missiles deployed against Taiwan on China's southeast coast. If Beijing can do these three things, it will be possible in the future for both sides to sign a peace accord.

October 16, 2007
Responding to media questions at the Legislative Yuan, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states that longing for peace is the shared language of both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Five years ago, President Chen Shui-bian proposed the establishment of peaceful and stable development of cross-strait relations; however, China has never responded. The "political report" delivered by Hu Jintao at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China makes acceptance of "one China" a precondition. However, this view differs from the position of the 23 million people of Taiwan, who believe they should decide their own future. This kind of political obstacle is fundamentally unable to resolve the current tensions in cross-strait relations.

October 16, 2007
Responding to Communist Party of China General Secretary Hu Jintao's statement expressing hope that both sides of the Taiwan Strait can resolve the state of hostility through negotiations under the "one China" principle, Minister of Foreign Affairs James Huang states that Hu Jintao talks at length about ending the cross-strait state of hostility, signing a peace accord, and establishing a framework for cross-strait peace. Yet he never mentions the fierce diplomatic war between both sides of the Taiwan Strait in the international arena. Nor does he mention China's suppression of Taiwan in the international community by every conceivable means or the issue of Taiwan's international space. In fact, over recent years, Hu Jintao has steadily softened his tone on Taiwan policy, but his actions, particularly in suppressing Taiwan internationally, have not softened at all.

October 16, 2007
The 13th Symposium on Cross-Strait Finance opens in Taipei. Assistant Governor Yi Gang of the People's Bank of China leads the Chinese financial delegation, which also includes China EXIM Bank Vice President Su Zhong, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Vice President Li Xiaopeng, People's Insurance Company of China Vice President Zhuang Chaoying, and China International Finance Corporation President and Chief Executive Zhu Yunlai.

October 17, 2007
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.

October 17, 2007
The Center for Disease Control in Taiwan issues an overview of contagious diseases in China during the months of July to September and warns travelers planning to visit China to be on heightened alert.

October 17, 2007
The nominations list for the 11th Award for Reporting on Cross-Strait Relations and the Mainland is announced. A total of 24 works and 65 news professionals are selected for the award, which is sponsored by the MAC Chinese Development Fund and organized by the School of Mass Communication at Ming Chuan University.

October 17, 2007
Ye Xiaowen, director of State Administration of Religious Affairs, states during a media interview that China is willing to improve ties with the Vatican on the foundation of two principles. First, the Vatican should acknowledge that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing China, and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory. Second, the Vatican must not intervene in China's internal affairs under the name of religious affairs.

October 18, 2007
The website for China's Beijing Association for Taiwanese-invested Enterprises recruiting volunteers for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games lists the country/area section on the registration form for Taiwanese volunteers as "China Taipei," intentionally downgrading Taiwan's sovereignty. Taiwan's Minister of Education issues a letter to universities asking them to advise their students against participating in the volunteer program.

October 18, 2007
The Public Security Department of Fujian Province in China introduces new measures to streamline the procedures for "Taiwan Travel Permits for Mainland Residents" and the required accompanying documentation.

October 18, 2007
Kunshan Municipal Political Consultative Conference Vice Chairmen Xu Jianming and Chen Qi, who are also directors of the KG Landmark Hotel Kunshan, led a group of more than 20 unidentified persons in charging the Taiwan-invested KG Landmark Hotel Kunshan and stealing the hotel's company seal and financial seal. They also assaulted the hotel's Chinese general manager Zhu Jun and chief financial officer Shen Sen.

October 18, 2007
Taiwan Affairs Office Deputy Director Ye Kedong states during an inspection visit to Fujian that the "West Coast of the Taiwan Strait" is conceived as a political and economic zone. Fujian Province occupies a uniquely advantageous position and also has a solid foundation in terms of China's Taiwan work. In sum, Fujian and Taiwan are joined by the "five ties and six pursuits," which will serve as a foundation for propaganda work directed at Taiwan. Such propaganda work by Fujian will include: First, programs should be constantly improved to truly win over the Taiwanese people. Secondly, the propaganda work should introduce China-related things to the Taiwanese people. And thirdly, it is hoped that Fujian's propaganda work can provide experience and ways of thinking for national propaganda work directed at Taiwan.

October 19, 2007
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 International Herald Tribune's Asia section, 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 missile threats or the use of non-peaceful means or military force to coerce any party into signing a peace accord.

October 19, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that China's human rights violations in Tibet have seriously harmed the fundamental rights of the Tibetan people. China has turned a deaf ear to the growing international outcry against its actions. However, the Chinese authorities not only have ignored international pressure and failed to address their own internal human rights situation, but they have also even sheltered the atrocious actions of democratic suppression in Burma and Sudan. They propagandize in the international community about a "peaceful rise," but behind their rhetoric is an undemocratic and anti-democratic true face that will be exposed to the world and renounced by the international community.

October 19, 2007
During a press conference, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu states that the rights and interests of Taiwanese farmers have been greatly harmed by China's serious infringement of the trademarks of famous Taiwanese agricultural products. The Taiwanese government continues to express grave concerns to China over this matter and demand that China's relevant agencies face up to the problem and actively handle it. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Council of Agriculture (COA), and the MAC have also met with Chinese counterpart officials to demand that the Chinese side strengthen intellectual property right protections and expedite the trials on the cancellation of the stolen Taiwan trademarks. The COA will provide China with a list of protected Taiwanese agricultural products for the reference of China's relevant agencies. It will also establish an information exchange channel to facilitate necessary communication and exchanges on major trademark issues.

October 19, 2007
The Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs indicates in a press release that in September 2007 approval was granted for 77 China-bound investments with a total value of US$619,127,000. In the first nine months of 2007, there were 770 approved China-bound investments with a total value of US$6,856,738,000, down 2.41% and up 28.80%, respectively, from the same period of 2006.

October 19, 2007
In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Zheng Lizhong, executive deputy director of Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council, states that China will strenuously promote the early realization of comprehensive, direct and two-way direct cross-strait "Three Links"; continue to support economic development on the west coast of the Taiwan Strait and other areas with concentrations of Taiwanese business investment; actively develop the function of these areas in promoting the development of cross-strait relations; create a better environment for Taiwanese business investment and operations in the mainland; and more actively promote educational, cultural, health and sports exchanges.

October 21, 2007
The resolution of the 16th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) report approved at the 17th CPC National Congress emphasizes firmly opposing Taiwan independence separatist activities, protecting China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and upholding the fundamental rights of the Chinese people.

October 22, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that, based on the content of the political report presented at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, it appears that China's overall Taiwan policy has not changed or departed from the Taiwan work principles laid out since Hu Jintao came to power. However, it fully incorporates the related content of "Hu's four points" and "anti-separation law," and it combines the Taiwan-related theories of Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin to serve as a guiding document for future Taiwan policy. It also serves a guiding role in the direction of Taiwan work in response to the situation in Taiwan today and after the presidential election next year. The report intentionally exhibits restraint and softening towards Taiwan and the U.S., while creating an ambiguous, beneficial space and the illusion of seeking "peaceful development." However, it still uses the two-handed tactic of "placing hope on the Taiwan people" combined with hard-line opposition to Taiwan independence. It is also attempting to stir up related issues in Taiwan in an attempt to control the future course of cross-strait relations.

October 23, 2007
Minister of Foreign Affairs James issues a statement in response to the 10-day delay in notifying Taiwan about the export of suspected bacteria-infected corn from Thailand to Taiwan, due to the failure of the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) of the World Health Organization (WHO) to contact Taiwan directly. Minister Huang solemnly indicates that China has constantly deceived the international community by falsely claiming that Taiwan is a part of the People's Republic of China and, as such, is included in implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). This is dangerously far from the truth.

October 23, 2007
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) is authorized by the responsible authority to send another letter to China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) requesting assistance in arresting wanted criminal Wang Chin She-ying and repatriating her back to Taiwan.

October 23, 2007
China convenes the First Symposium on Cross-Strait Civilian Exchanges in Tianjin. The event is attended by over 60 representatives from Taiwan, including the presidents and directors of over 40 civilian industry associations and scholars of higher education institutes.

October 23, 2007
China Central Television (CCTV) in Beijing applies for permission to legally broadcast its programs by satellite in Taiwan.

October 24, 2007
Attending the "Taiwan United Nations (UN) Day" rally, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung indicates that the Taiwanese people have suffered great injury due to Taiwan's exclusion from the UN. During the SARS outbreak of 2003, for example, Taiwan was prevented by its lack of membership in the UN and the World Health Organization from obtaining timely disease prevention information, resulting in the deaths of 73 Taiwanese people. Furthermore, though Taiwan has achieved an economic miracle, it is excluded from participation in the international development projects of the World Bank.

October 24, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that a Chinese doctor illegally came to Taiwan to recruit patients for liver transplant operations and conduct pre-surgery assessments. Such actions not only violate regulations on exchange visits by Chinese persons to Taiwan, but also involve issues under Taiwan's medical laws and regulations. The responsible authority has been asked to assist in the investigation. If the case is verified as true, the related agencies will impose penalties according to the law.

October 24, 2007
The Kaohsiung National Tax Administration states that in cases where taxpayers are reporting dependent relatives in the Mainland Area, the legality of the submitted documentation and the existence of said relatives must be notarized by a local public notary office in China and verified by the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF).

October 25, 2007
The MAC Chinese Development Fund holds the annual "Cross-Strait College Student Camp" and in cooperation with Taipei 101 arranges for camp participants to take part in the "2007 Taipei 101 International Run-up Race."

October 26, 2007
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 dialogue 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.

October 26, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that the Chinese authorities impose strict and far-reaching controls on the media. The one-sided view of Taiwan presented to the Chinese people as a result of Beijing's media filtering does not help the Chinese people understand the actual situation in Taiwan. However, the increasing ubiquity of the internet in China creates an opportunity to advance cross-strait communication and understanding. Taiwan therefore urges the Chinese authorities, for the sake of cross-strait media exchanges, to truly stop interfering with Taiwan's media websites and thereby allow a "great leap" forward in the cross-strait flow of information and show their sincerity to develop cross-strait exchanges.

October 28, 2007
Fujian Province opens Putian Harbor as a port for direct cargo transportaton via the "Mini-Three-Link" route.

October 29, 2007
During the unveiling ceremony for the new southern Taiwan office of the Fisheries Agency under the Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan, President Chen Shui-bian states that since Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations (UN), it is unable to sign the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and delimit Taiwan's exclusive economic zone. This creates a serious threat to the life and property of Taiwanese fishermen. Furthermore, though Taiwan has the sixth largest deep-sea fishing industry in the world, lack of UN membership prevents it from participating in many important meetings. Taiwan is therefore in an unequal and unfair position in negotiations over fishing rights, with obligations but no rights. This is an extremely serious threat to the future development of Taiwan's deep-sea fishing industry.

October 29, 2007
Ye Kedong, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) under China's State Council, states at a symposium in Fujian on the propaganda work of two TAO magazines ("Taiwan Work News Report" and "Cross-Strait Relations") that three key points will be closely followed in future Taiwan work: First, the central government's principal policies and guidelines on Taiwan work will be unswervingly and thoroughly implemented; secondly, the basic mission of Taiwan work is to firmly oppose and deter "Taiwan independence "separatist activities; and thirdly, it is emphasized that the fundamental objective of Taiwan work is to protect China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

October 30, 2007
Due to China's ruthless suppression against Taiwan, Taiwanese students participating in the 2007 International Biology Olympiad in Canada were prevented from carrying the national flag into the competition venue. Regarding this incident, the MAC issues a press release strongly condemning China's comprehensive suppression of Taiwan's international space for sabotaging the normal development of cross-strait relations. The incident highlights that China has escalated its suppression of Taiwan's international space even to the arena of international student competitions. The MAC expresses strong dissatisfaction over this incident and sternly condemns China for its various recent actions aimed at obstructing Taiwan's participation in the international arena.

October 31, 2007
Responding to statements made by the Taiwan Affairs Office at a press conference on October 31, the MAC issues a press release indicating that the proposal raised at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China to sign a "peace accord" on the basis of the "one China" principle clearly shows that Beijing intentionally ignores the fact that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country and that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. Furthermore, by beginning to promote the idea that both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a common destiny, and attempting to create a situation in which the future of Taiwan cannot be autonomously decided by the people of Taiwan, China shows that it still cannot clearly understand that the 23 million people of Taiwan will decide the future of Taiwan of their own accord. This is the firm position and consensus of the Taiwanese people.

October 31, 2007
Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Yang Yi states at a press conference that as of the end of September this year, Taiwanese residents had made 45.83 million person-trips to mainland China, and 1.56 million mainland residents had visited Taiwan; accumulated cross-strait trade totaled US$693.3 billion; and an accumulated 74,327 China-bound investments by Taiwanese businesspeople had been approved, with a total investment amount of US$45 billion.

October 31, 2007
China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) Spokesperson Yang Yi indicates at a TAO press conference that China firmly opposes any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and will protect its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China will oppose and deter "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, especially "de jure Taiwan independence" activities, and oppose "Taiwan's planned referendum on its bid to join the United Nations" promoted by Chen Shui-bian's administration. Any issues involving China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be decided by all Chinese people, including Taiwanese compatriots. Any activities aimed at sabotaging China's Internet services will be investigated and punished according to the law. China also resolutely opposes the Taiwanese authorities' development of nuclear weapons or nuclear weapon capabilities in any form.

November 1, 2007
At a symposium held by the All-China Journalists Association, Ye Kedong, deputy director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, states that China will continue to vigorously promote the mutual stationing of resident correspondents across the Taiwan Strait.

November 2, 2007
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 put 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.

November 2, 2007
The MAC issues a press release emphasizing that no "1992 Consensus" exists between both sides of the Taiwan Strait, nor has there ever been room for "one China with respective interpretations." Taiwan is an independent sovereign country. Any changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait must be approved by the 23 million Taiwanese people. The Taiwanese government can never accept the "one China" principle unilaterally proposed by China in defining cross-strait relations, nor can it accept that cross-strait relations will be developed in an unequal manner under such a preset framework.

November 2, 2007
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 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.

November 2, 2007
In an article on "Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Relations Should be Based on Overall National Interests" published in the Youth Daily News, the MAC states that in terms of Taiwan's economic development, the rapid growth of cross-strait economic and trade relations has become not only an important part that cannot be ignored, but also the most important link in cross-strait relations. Under the premise of giving balanced consideration to market economy operations and national security, the MAC will continue to take steady and pragmatic steps forward in the planning and implementation of cross-strait economic and trade policy.

November 2, 2007
In an interview with Xinhua News Agency on the development of cross-strait exchanges over the past 20 years, Dai Xiaofeng, director-general of the Exchange Bureau of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, states that according to statistics, as of September 2007, residents of Taiwan have accumulatively made 45.83 million person-trips to China; and Chinese residents have accumulatively made more than 1.56 million person-trips to Taiwan. There are nearly 400,000 Taiwanese compatriots residing for a long time in China, and more than 18,000 Taiwanese compatriots that are permanent residents in China. There also have been about 270,000 cross-strait marriages.

November 2, 2007
Li Bingcai, executive deputy chairman of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, states in an interview with People's Daily Online (http://www.people.com.cn/) that China will never tolerate "Taiwan independence" and never allow any person to separate Taiwan from China by any means.

November 2, 2007
In a speech presented at a seminar on "China-Southeast Asia Relations and the Taiwan Issue," Sun Yafu, deputy director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, states that, "China is willing, on the foundation of the !￥one China' principle, to negotiate a formal end to the state of hostilities across the Taiwan Strait, to reach a peace accord, establish a framework for peaceful cross-strait development, and open a new era for peaceful cross-strait development." In this way, both sides can seek to resolve major cross-strait issues in the political, economic, military, cultural, and diplomatic arenas, plan the future development of cross-strait relations, and sign a peace accord.

November 3, 2007
In a speech presented during the "National Torch Relay for Taiwan's UN Membership" activity, President Chen Shui-bian stated that due to Taiwan's long exclusion from the World Health Organization (WHO), the 23 million Taiwanese people have incessantly been exposed to threats to their health and well-being. Making efforts to join the United Nations is aimed not only at safeguarding Taiwan's status as a sovereign country from being downgraded, but also at "taking care of the people's livelihood, fighting for the rights and interests, and seeking the well-being" of the 23 million people of Taiwan.

November 3, 2007
At the opening ceremony of the International Conference on the Comparative Studies of Referendum, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan's participation in the United Nations (UN) under the name "Taiwan" not only will deeply root the initiative and referendum in the Taiwanese people's hearts, but also further consolidate the democratic spirit and the principles of self-determination and "sovereignty residing in the people."

November 5, 2007
The U.S. Department of Defense issues a press release showing support for China and Taiwan's peaceful unification and describing Taiwan's United Nations (UN) bid referendum as an "independence referendum." In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issues remarks clarifying that the desire expressed by the US to see the peaceful unification of the Taiwan Strait radically diverges from traditional US policy. Likewise, calling Taiwan's UN bid referendum an independence referendum distorts the real picture. As the Taiwan government regretted that the US government misunderstood its intention, the MOFA requests the US to clarify its stance.

November 5, 2007
In a press release entitled, "China will Never Achieve its Aims through Military Intimidation," the MAC denounces Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan's absurd statement that, "If [Chen Shui-bian] dares to make major moves towards "Taiwan independence," China must take resolute actions and firmly safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs." The MAC believes that such peremptory language aimed at intimidating the people of Taiwan is the resources of creating cross-strait tensions and undermining stability in the Taiwan Strait.

November 5, 2007
The MAC indicates in a press release that there is a clear discrepancy between President Bush's statements that the United States "is against independence for the island nation" (Taiwan) and the U.S. hopes that "Taiwan and China can unify peacefully," as printed on the website of the U.S. Department of Defense. Since such kind of wording is different from that of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. side should clarify this as soon as possible.

November 5, 2007
During a MAC Council Meeting, the MAC indicates that recently China has listed its suppression of Taiwan's efforts to join the United Nations (UN) under the name of "Taiwan" and Taiwan's U.N. referendum as its top priority in Taiwan-related work. In terms of actual manipulation, China has emphasized to Taiwan's representatives at cross-strait exchange events the harm of Taiwanese government's actions and stepped up a strategy of "using diplomacy to control Taiwan." Beijing also has actively mobilized overseas chapters of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification to propagandize China's "anti-independence, pro-unification" position and principle and to harshly criticize the efforts of the Taiwanese government. It has also sought to intimidate Taiwan by intentionally conducting military exercises directed at Taiwan. The Chinese authorities have also escalated their criticism over Taiwan through officials with higher position, in an attempt to highlight the gravity and destructiveness of the UN bid and referendum cases. Furthermore, the CPC central leadership, some local governments, the Taiwan Affairs Office, and the "Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland" (ATIEM) have cooperated with Taiwan's opposition parties and Taiwanese industrial and business sectors to jointly hold many activities related to China-bound Taiwanese enterprises, in an attempt to use close cross-strait economic and trade exchanges as part of China's strategy of "using business to surround the government" as a means of influencing the promotion of Taiwan's UN referendum. Taiwan should closely watch these two-handed tactics.

November 5, 2007
A MAC Council Meeting approves draft revisions to the "Regulations Governing Hong Kong and Macao Residents Studying in Taiwan" proposed by the Ministry of Education.

November 5, 2007
In a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, China's Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo emphasizes the danger of separatist activities aimed at achieving "Taiwan independence." He asks the US to pay great attention to and appropriately deal with the Taiwan issue, take effective and concrete actions, and make joint efforts with China to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and safeguard the overall China-U.S. relations.

November 5, 2007
In a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan states that if Chen Shui-bian ventures to create incidents of "Taiwan independence," China must take resolute measures at whatever cost to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Moreover, the US should fulfill its commitment on the Taiwan question, stop official exchanges and military ties with the island, and take concrete actions to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

November 6, 2007
In a media interview, President Chen Shui-bian states that "proactive management and effective liberalization" is the highest guiding principle in cross-strait economic and trade exchanges. There will be no change to this basic policy during his term, particularly as regards the 40 percent ceiling on China-bound investments from Taiwan.

November 6, 2007
The Kaohsiung National Tax Administration under the Ministry of Finance issues a press release stating that, since the Ministry of Education does not yet recognize academic degrees earned in the Mainland Area, taxpayers with children studying in the Mainland Area cannot list such education expenses for the dependent deductions on their consolidated income tax returns.

November 6, 2007
The Straits Exchange Foundation is authorized by the responsible agency to send a letter to China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) requesting assistance from China in arresting and repatriating or canceling the travel permits of Wang Yu-yun, a wanted criminal who was the former president of Chung Shing Commercial Bank before fleeing to China.

November 6, 2007
At a reception hosted by the US Embassy in China, China's Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo states that the Taiwan issue is a core concern of China, and it has always been the most important and sensitive issue in Sino-US relations. The three Sino-US communiques should be scrupulously abided by for the stability and long-term development of Sino-US relations.

November 7, 2007
Tian Jin, deputy director of China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), announces that from January 1, 2008, all television drama series jointly-made by both sides of the Taiwan Strait will enjoy the same broadcasting and distribution rights as those solely made in China.

November 8, 2007
In a speech to a homecoming delegation of the North American Taiwanese Medical Association, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan has directly launched its campaign to join the World Health Organization and the United Nations under the name of "Taiwan," which has attracted the world's attention and received more than four to five times international media coverage than in the past.

November 8, 2007
At the award presentation ceremony for the Cross-Strait News Reporting Award, 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.

November 8, 2007
The website of China's Ministry of Commerce announcing that civilian organizations representing Taiwan's sand and gravel industry are welcome to jointly form a delegation to hold talks with related parties in China in order to reach specific arrangements as soon as possible on technical and operational issues for the resumption of sand and gravel exports to Taiwan.

November 12, 2007
At the third plenary meeting of the Eighth Fujian Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), committee secretary Lu Zhangong states that Fujian's principle position and important function in the Economic Zone on the West Coast of the Taiwan Strait will be further developed. Fujian will establish and expand a platform for external opening, a platform for promoting regional cooperation throughout China, and a platform for promoting the grand endeavor of national unification. It will also establish the Economic Zone on the West Coast of the Taiwan Strait as an advanced area of scientific development and civilian exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait.

November 13, 2007
President Chen Shui-bian states that the "Cross-Strait Peaceful Coexistence Act" is in fact an "anti-independence, pro-unification" law that opposes Taiwan's status as an independent sovereign country and promotes both sides to ultimately follow a path to unification. The content and positions of the Act read like a Taiwan version of China's "anti-separation law." If the Act considers Taiwan to be an independent sovereign country, why does it advocate holding a referendum on unification and then stop at unification? There is nothing different between such an Act and the "anti-separation law."

November 14, 2007
A spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office under the China's State Council states that China is returning all Taiwan postal letters stamped with a "UN for Taiwan" postmark because the postmark is an attempt by Taiwan to use its postal service to propagandize "Taiwan independence." The MAC issues a statement in response, indicating that China has always used every opportunity for extreme political manipulation, seriously affecting the rights and interests of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Beijing has seized on the incident of the postmark as an excuse. Due to its ideology, China has resorted to "postal examinations" to separate out and return mails, seriously affecting the rights and interests of senders and receivers. Moreover, it has sought to shirk responsibility and make distorting remarks in an attempt to divert attention.

November 14, 2007
Regarding Chinese official statements on sand and gravel exports to Taiwan, the MAC issues a statement indicating that, as early as February this year, the Taiwanese government entrusted the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) to assist in handling matters related to negotiations with China on sand and gravel exports. However, Beijing has delayed official talks under the excuse of having not yet gotten any response from the relevant agencies in China or by equivocation. At a press conference, the Taiwan Affairs Office indicated that in the future, the responsible authorities in China would issue export permits to mainland enterprises based on certification provided by institutions recommended by the sand and gravel industry in the Taiwan Area. It seems that China attempts to marginalize government authority exercised by the Taiwanese government through dialogue with Taiwan's civilian organizations. The MAC deeply regrets this and warns China to stop making improper statements and actions.

November 14, 2007
At a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao emphasizes that China urges the United States to take concrete actions to implement the three China-US Joint Communiques, honor its solemn commitment to China on the Taiwan question, immediately cancel relevant arms sales plans, stop arms sales to and military ties with Taiwan, and stop sending any wrong signals to the Taiwan independence secessionist forces. China reserves the right to take further measures.

November 14, 2007
During a press briefing held by the Taiwan Affairs Office(TAO), Li Jansen, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's Ministry of Communications, says that China welcomes representatives of Taiwan's sand and gravel industry and representative civilian organizations to jointly form a delegation to hold talks with related parties in China in order to reach a technical and operational arrangement as soon as possible on issues related to the resumption of natural sand exports to Taiwan. Tang Wei, director general of the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao Affairs of China's Ministry of Commerce, indicates that at present the "Three Links" across the Taiwan Strait have not yet been fully implemented, trade and investment between both sides is still indirect, one-way, not smooth, and does not meet people's expectations. Under such circumstances, there is a lack of conditions for discussing preferential trade arrangements. Fan Liqing, the newly appointed spokeswoman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, states that the Chinese postal authorities discovered letters and parcels from Taiwan stamped with a "UN for Taiwan" postmark and has returned all such letters to the island in accordance with related regulations. The Taiwanese authorities must shoulder all the consequences from the incident, she says.

November 16, 2007
In a meeting with World Medical Association President Dr. Jon Snaedal and his wife, President Chen Shui-bian stresses that, given Taiwan's achievements in the areas of health, medicine and disease prevention, people throughout the world lose out as the result of Taiwan not being admitted as a formal member of the World Health Organization. He said this also constitutes a black hole and gap in the world's disease prevention network, which is not in the interest of mankind.

November 20, 2007
Regarding China's manipulation of Taiwanese businesspeople to issue a joint declaration opposing the "referendum on joining the United Nations (UN)" and "referendum on returning to the UN," the MAC issues a press release indicating that the Beijing authorities have re-concocted the "Hsu Wen-lung Incident" through divisive political tactics, economic manipulation, intimidation and bribery of Taiwanese businesspeople, and other dirty tricks, to pressure the heads of Taiwanese businesspeople's associations and demand that they issue a public statement to show their attitude, in an attempt to politically manipulate Taiwan's referendum and election process behind the scenes. This is extremely detrimental to the development of cross-strait economic and trade relations. It is also harmful to the prospects of overall cross-strait relations and exposes China's lies regarding its non-interference in economic matters by political means. The MAC solemnly indicates that China should immediately stop harassing and pressuring the Taiwanese businesspeople who have made great contributions to the Chinese economy. China should also faithfully honor its pledge to protect the rights and interests of Taiwanese businesspeople.

November 20, 2007
The Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs indicates in a press release that, in October 2007, Taiwan approved 79 China-bound investment projects with a total value of US$806,946,000.

November 20, 2007
In an article published in the People's Daily, Sun Yafu, deputy director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, states that insistence on the "one China" principle is a cornerstone of China's Taiwan policy direction and also a basic stabilizing condition for cross-strait relations. The first and foremost mission of Taiwan-related work at present remains to oppose and deter "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, especially "de jure Taiwan independence" activities. China will never allow the Chen Shui-bian administration to achieve its scheme of promoting "Taiwan's referendum on UN membership." China will never waver, compromise or equivocate in the slightest on the major principle and issue of opposing national split, and it will never swallow the bitter fruit of "Taiwan independence."

November 20, 2007
The MAC indicates that the "Cross-Strait Peaceful Coexistence Act" promoted by former United Microelectronics Corporation Chairman Robert Tsao is so unwise that it only makes sure of forbidding Taiwan to hold an independence referendum. To our surprise, the Act goes so far as to include contents stipulating that a unification referendum should be held if China has made such a demand. This type of legislation is unprecedented in human history. It would be no different from a "referendum" tailored to China's "anti-separation law," and it harbors unrealistic illusions about China.

November 23, 2007
A MAC article entitled, "Deep Concern Over the Motivations of Phony Chinese Specialists Visiting Taiwan" is published in the Youth Daily News. The article notes that the steady increase in professional exchanges between civilian sectors across the Strait has led to the occurrence of illegal and disorderly situations, such as Chinese officials "applying to visit Taiwan in false civilian capacities" and "engaging in activities inconsistent with the permitted purpose of their visit after entering Taiwan." Such incidents could certainly bring a definite degree of risk for Taiwan.

November 23, 2007
The MAC announces the launch of a special section on its website focusing on "Global Risks and Challenges in China's Economic Development" (Website: http://www.mac.gov.tw/) to provide information on various serious problems engendered by China's economic rise.

November 23, 2007
China bans the sale of Lonely Planet travel guidebooks with maps that show China and Taiwan in separate colors.

November 24, 2007
MAC Vice Chairman Tung Chen-yuan publishes an article entitled, "Robert Tsao's Hallucinogen would Lead Taiwan into a Dangerous Spot." The article states that Mr. Tsao's proposed "Cross-Strait Peaceful Coexistence Act" simply "echoes Beijing's formulation" and seriously misleads the Taiwanese people. It is therefore imperative to sternly set the record straight. The crux of the cross-strait issue is not the so-called "de jure Taiwan independence" but rather the persistent unwillingness of the government of China (the People's Republic of China) to acknowledge the fact that since 1949, the Republic of China (ROC) has continued to exist in Taiwan, that Taiwan is a sovereign country independent of China, and that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. Moreover, the crux of cross-strait tensions and conflict is the Chinese government's attempt to annihilate the ROC and annex Taiwan to complete its so-called "grand endeavor of national unification."

November 24, 2007
China's Ministry of Land and Natural Resources and Fujian Province sign a "Summary of Discussions on the Joint Facilitation of National Land Resource Work in Fujian Province to Promote the Establishment of the Economic Zone on the West Coast of the Taiwan Strait." Its aim is to promote preferential arrangement policies for Taiwanese enterprises investing in construction-use land in Fujian.

November 25, 2007
At a symposium on the "Unification Referendum and Taiwan's Democracy," sponsored by Taiwan Thinktank, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that the "Cross-Strait Peaceful Coexistence Act" proposed by former United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) Chairman Robert Tsao echoes Beijing's "anti-separation law" and calls on the Beijing authorities to initiate a "unification referendum." This is a continuation of Beijing's strategic framework in dealing with Taiwan under the "anti-separation law" and two communiques signed by Lien Chan and James Soong with Hu Jintao. It also harms the Taiwan-centric consciousness and Taiwan's democracy.

November 26, 2007
The MAC indicates that, in coordination with the epidemic prevention and control policies of the Department of Health under the Executive Yuan, the Chinese spouses of Taiwanese citizens must include a health examination certificate with their first application to come to Taiwan.

November 26, 2007
A MAC Council Meeting deliberates and approves the proposal of the Government Information Office regarding the inclusion of "the platform for internet broadcast television and other broadcast television systems" under the management of related permit measures, and appends application procedures for broadcasting in Taiwan television programs from the Mainland Area, Hong Kong and Macao.

November 26, 2007
In order to prevent the Chinese people from coming to Taiwan through false marriages, the MAC and related agencies jointly formulates a flowchart for "Matters Needing Attention for Inspecting and Prosecuting Cases of Suspected False Marriages between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area."

November 26, 2007
In a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi urges the US to take practical steps to fulfill its commitments in the three Sino-US Joint Communiques and keep its solemn promise to the Chinese side on the Taiwan issue. He also urges that the US should not send misleading signals to the Chen Shui-bian administration by selling advanced weapon systems, so as to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the overall relationship between China and the United States.

November 27, 2007
During a visit to China, French President Nicolas Sarkozy expresses opposition to Taiwan's planned referendum on its bid to join the United Nations (UN). In a meeting with Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, director of the French Institute in Taipei, to clarify Taiwan's position, Taiwan's Minister of Foreign Affairs James C.F. Huang states that the people of Taiwan have reached a consensus on Taiwan's bid to join the UN. The Taiwanese government respects their wish to carry out a referendum, which is a legitimate and democratic procedure and will not alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. President Sarkozy's remarks against Taiwan's UN referendum have hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people.

November 27, 2007
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang states during a press conference that the Taiwan issue is a major principle issue. China hopes and trusts that the European Union, as a full strategic partner of China, will adopt a clear stance opposing "Taiwan independence."

November 28, 2007
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) issues a public opinion survey indicating that over the past 20 years, Taiwan and China have increasingly become psychologically alienated. Among all respondents, 44 percent support "Taiwan independence," 23 percent agree with "maintaining the status quo," and about 18 percent agree with "cross-strait unification."

November 28, 2007
During a joint press conference with European Union leaders, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao states that China opposes European leaders in an official capacity to meet the Dalai Lama. The Chinese government has always insisted that as long as the Dalai Lama acknowledges that Tibet is an inseparable part of China and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, then the door for dialogue with him will always be open.

November 28, 2007
In a meeting with US President George Bush, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi states that China and the United States should make joint efforts, strengthen cooperation, and take practical steps to prevent any form of splittist activities aimed at achieving "the independence of Taiwan," including the referendum for UN membership, to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and in the Asia Pacific region as a whole.

November 30, 2007
The MAC issues news reference material on the "Global Challenge of China's Energy Consumption," indicating that the growing large-scale consumption of energy by China is causing higher oil prices and is having a serious impact on global economic growth, commodity prices, and everyone's daily life. In order to ensure international energy supplies and security, China has adopted a "four-sided strike" strategy of "expanding east, advancing west, linking to the north and opening up to the south." It is taking actions to control oil supplies worldwide and is intent on using "energy diplomacy" to expand its international influence and ensure its energy security. This has already changed the strategic situation regionally and globally. The MAC also indicates that in its scramble for energy, China has strengthened its diplomatic relations through financial and other assistance. China has provided financial assistance to countries that violate human rights in order to secure energy supplies, which has aroused a high degree of concern from Europe and the US. China's such actions not only run counter to the behavior expected of a responsible world power, but also amply show the basic nature of autocratic China.

December 2, 2007
Attending a seminar on the "Current Status and Challenges for Taiwanese Businesspeople in Mainland China," MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that China is accustomed to playing the "Taiwanese businesspeople card." China has used tactics such as strict enforcement of tax and customs regulations in discriminately treating unification- and independence-leaning Taiwanese businesspeople. This has not only silenced Taiwanese businesspeople whose political stance is different from that of China, but have also preveted them from openly supporting or strengthening the Taiwanese government's policies related to Taiwan-centric consciousness. There are also countless examples of incidents in which the Chinese authorities have even used threats such as commercial interests and safeguards for Chinese employees' personal safety to coerce the responsible persons of Taiwanese enterprises and Taiwanese businesspeople's associations to pronounce anti-Taiwan independence statements or to coordinate with them to promote their political united front work. One of these example is the recent appeal made by nine presidents of Taiwanese Businesspeople's Association chapters urging Taiwan to give up the referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) and referendum on returning to the UN.

December 3, 2007
Regarding the views voiced by certain academics on cross-strait relations and the referendum on joining the United Nations (UN), the MAC issues opinions emphasizing that joining the UN under the name of Taiwan and the referendum on joining the UN are entirely unrelated to so-called "de jure Taiwan independence" and do not involve any change to the national moniker. There are some countries whose membership name in the United Nations is not their national moniker. Equating Taiwan's referendum on its UN bid with "de jure Taiwan independence" is a maneuver by China to unilaterally distort the facts and lay a bridge for China to employ its "anti-separation law."

December 3, 2007
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issues a press release responding to concerns of the European Union (EU) over Taiwan's upcoming referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) and the EU's view that the referendum is likely to lead to unilateral change in the status quo of the Taiwan Strait, which the EU opposes. The MOFA solemnly states that the Taiwanese people hope through the democratic process of a referendum to demonstrate their collective will to participate in the UN. This is the direct practice of democracy and does not involve any change to the status quo. The MOFA urges the EU to pragmatically, rationally and carefully examine the impact China is having on the international economy and regional peace and stability through its rapid but non-transparent military buildup, poor human rights record, flooding of the global market with counterfeit and substandard products, renminbi exchange rate and trade imbalance, misappropriation of energy resources, indifference to environmental protection and other censurable problems.

December 3, 2007
In a meeting with US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eric Edelman, Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, urges the US side to stop its official contacts and military links with the Taiwan authorities, to stop selling advanced weapons to Taiwan, and to refrain from sending the wrong signals to the Taiwan authorities so as to avoid any damage to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and harm to Sino-US relations.

December 3, 2007
Lin Wenyi is reelected as chairperson of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League Central Committee at the organization's Eighth All-League Congress.

December 4, 2007
During a meeting with former US President Jimmy Carter, Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan stresses that "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities are the "biggest threat" to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. China and the US should work enhance cooperation to deter any form of secessionist activities of Taiwan independence so as to safeguard the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as well as the overall situation of China-US relations.

December 4, 2007
During an interview held for the Chinese government web portal www.gov.cn, Chen Qiufa, the vice-director of China's Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense states that China supports the development in the Taiwan Area of aerospace technology for peaceful use and will consider cooperation in accordance with national policies toward Taiwan.

December 5, 2007
In a meeting with the permanent representatives of United Nations (UN) delegations of countries allied with Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that the 153 words of UN Resolution No. 2758 fundamentally do not include the word "Taiwan." The resolution does not address the issue of the representation of Taiwan in the UN, nor does it say that Taiwan is a part or province of the People's Republic of China (PRC). This also leads the Taiwanese people to consider Taiwan to be a sovereign state and not a part or province of the PRC. Taiwan absolutely has the indubitable right to join the UN.

December 5, 2007
Responding to a statement by Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou that, "The 1992 Consensus on 'one China, with each side having its own interpretation' can resolve the cross-strait impasse," the MAC emphasizes that the formula of "one China, with each side having its own interpretation" as a condition for resuming cross-strait dialogue, which the Beijing authorities have never agreed to, cannot be self-interpreted as the "1992 Consensus."

December 5, 2007
As of September, Fujian Province in China has actually utilized over US$12.4 billion in Taiwanese capital cumulatively; and Fujian's trade with Taiwan reached a cumulative US$50.6 billion. Fujian also continued to be China's biggest user of Taiwanese capital in the agricultural sector.

December 5, 2007
At the Congress of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots (ACFTC), Jia Qinglin, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, emphasizes China's firm resolve to oppose any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and protect China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China will always firmly uphold the "one China" principle, and firmly oppose and deter "Taiwan independence" separatist activities; actively carry out work for the Taiwanese people, and further promote cross-strait personnel contacts and economic and cultural exchanges; and strengthen the organizational self-development of the ACFTC to contribute to the promotion of the grand mission of China's peaceful unification of the motherland.

December 6, 2007
In a meeting with Eni Faleomavaega, Ranking Member of the US House International Relations Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, President Chen Shui-bian states that China is currently deliberating on the establishment of an "air defense identification zone" in the Taiwan Strait. This move is aimed primarily at preventing the US and Japan from spying on China's military under the excuse of free navigation and innocent passage. However, it is a major threat in terms of undermining and changing the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and undermining and challenging the status quo of peace, security and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

December 6, 2007
China has recently made incessant use of the opportunities of diplomatic and international cooperation dialogue to defame and discredit Taiwan's planned referendum on its bid to join the UN as well as to coerce the United States, Japan, European Union and other countries into wrongly criticizing and making false accusations against democratic activities in Taiwan. In response, the MAC solemnly indicates that such manipulation of international politics by China to win international recognition for its "one China" principle and its peremptory suppression against Taiwan are the main factors that have created regional tensions and sabotaged harmonious cross-strait relations. Under such circumstances, there is a steadily increasing dissatisfaction with China among the Taiwanese people.

December 6, 2007
According to statistics, between 2003 and October 2007, the Intermediate People's Court of Guangzhou City in China and the basic courts under its jurisdiction have adjudicated 109 cases involving Taiwan-related businesses, with a total target amount of 652.14 million renminbi.

December 6, 2007
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang states at a press conference that for China, opposing Taiwan's "referendum on United Nations membership" and "Taiwan independence" separatist activities is an issue of major principle and the key to ensuring the healthy and stable development of Sino-Japanese relations.

December 6, 2007
During a telephone conversation with US President George Bush, Chinese President Hu Jintao states that the appropriate handling of the Taiwan question is the key to ensuring the steady and healthy development of China-US ties. The Taiwan authorities are intensifying "Taiwan independence" activities, including Taiwan's planned referendum on United Nations membership, creating serious challenges and threats to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits. It is in the common strategic interests of both China and the US to firmly oppose and prevent "Taiwan independence" and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

December 7, 2007
Attending the "International Symposium on the 20th Anniversary of the Opening of Cross-strait Exchanges," Premier Chang Chun-hsiung presents a speech expressing that in recent years, the government has adhered to the principles of sovereignty, democracy, peace and parity in its cross-strait policy. Under the premise of upholding Taiwan-centric consciousness, the government has continued a cross-strait exchange policy. Such exchanges are aimed at promoting understanding and reconciling hostility between both sides so as to normalize cross-strait relations. The Taiwanese government has constantly extended olive branches of peace to China, but China has always adhered to its "one China" policy, intensified political, military and diplomatic suppression against Taiwan, and even has passed an "anti-separation law" to provide a clear legal basis for attacking Taiwan and ultimately unifying both sides of the Taiwan Strait. This contrasts starkly with the gentle atmosphere shown in cross-strait exchanges, and it is also currently the biggest obstacle to cross-strait development.

December 7, 2007
According to Chinese customs statistics, in the first 10 months of 2007, Taiwan's share of China's import market grew by 15.1%, giving Taiwan a 10.6% market share, or 0.4 percentage points less than in the same period of 2006.

December 8, 2007
At the opening ceremony of the "Liberal International Conference on Human Rights," President Chen Shui-bian states that China has stepped up suppression in recent years. It has blocked Taiwan not only from international inter-governmental organizations that require statehood as a prerequisite for membership, but also from international non-governmental organizations and alliances of political parties that do not require statehood as a prerequisite for membership. What's worse, China does not stop at bullying Taiwan, but goes further to bully Taiwan's friends.

December 8, 2007
China's All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots reelects Liang Guoyang as the federation president.

December 10, 2007
In a meeting with Raymond F. Burghardt, chairman of the board of the American Institute in Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian reiterates that the referendum on United Nations (UN) membership has two major objectives. The first is to apply for UN membership under the name of "Taiwan" so as to avoid becoming bogged down in the long-term disputes over the issue of the People's Republic of China quest for the UN representation rights of "one China." The second objective of the referendum is to express the yearning, expectation and voice of the 23 million Taiwanese people to join the UN, and the hope that this small voice can be heard by the people of the world.

December 10, 2007
In an interview with Peter David Enav, Taipei Bureau chief for the Associated Press, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that using the name "Taiwan" to apply for United Nations (UN) membership does not mean changing the national moniker, nor does it violate the "four noes" pledge. The UN referendum is not a referendum on independence for Taiwan, nor is it a step towards "de jure independence." Rather, it is a way of expressing the powerful determination, aspiration, and hope of the 23 million Taiwanese people to join the UN. The people of Taiwan no longer wish to remain an orphan abandoned by the international community. This issue must be viewed at the level of political and human rights, and the right to freedom of speech. This referendum has no bearing on the issues of unification versus independence, and does not constitute a change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

December 11, 2007
Fan Liqing, deputy director of the Information Bureau under the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, expresses hope that both sides of the Taiwan Strait can hold negotiations on the basis of the "1992 Consensus" to discuss issues of respective interest. Opposing and deterring "Taiwan independence" is currently the most important task of compatriots on both sides of the Strait. China must eliminate and resist the interference and destruction caused by "Taiwan independence" forces and further promote the deeper and broader development of cross-strait exchanges and contact.

December 12, 2007
China's National Tourism Administration (NTA) issues "Opinions on Supporting Tourism Development in the Economic Zone on the West Coast of the Taiwan Strait." The "Opinions" indicate that China will strongly support the development of the Economic Zone on the West Coast of the Taiwan Strait and actively promote the creation of a cross-strait tourism cooperation system and the creation of a "cross-strait tourism" brand. The NTA will actively promote tourism exchanges and cooperation between Fujian and Taiwan to make Fujian the first trial province in China for tourism contacts with Taiwan.

December 13, 2007
In an interview with Matthias Nass, deputy editor-in-chief of Die Zeit of Gernmany, President Chen Shui-bian states that rather than calling the referendum on joining the UN a first step towards de jure Taiwan independence, it would be more accurate to call the referendum as finally giving the 23 million Taiwanese people an opportunity to announce to the the world and to China the fact that Taiwan is not, as China claims, a part of the People's Republic of China (PRC), nor is it a local province of the PRC.

December 13, 2007
Attending a seminar on "Changes in China's Investment Environment in 2007: Business Strategies for Taiwanese Enterprises," held by the Straits Exchange Foundation, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that seeking a seat at the United Nations (UN) is the long-time ambition and right of the 23 million people of Taiwan. In order to let the international community understand this, Taiwan will show its collective will by holding a referendum, which is a democratic and peaceful method. It is hoped that China and the US will not over-interpret the collective will of the Taiwanese people to join the UN.

December 13, 2007
The spokesperson of China's Ministry of Commerce states that China has started to resume natural sand and gravel exports to Taiwan and will begin accepting applications for export licenses.

December 14, 2007
The MAC issues background information entitled "Endless examples of China's human rights violations have not only laid bare China's promises but have also invalidated its guarantees made during China's bid to host the Olympic Games." This news reference material indicates that in order to win the right to host the 2008 Olympic Games, China made many promises-including the improvement of China's human rights record, freedom of the press, and the protection of the environment-to the international community when it submitted its Olympic bid in 2001. However, the facts prove that six and a half years after China successfully won the Olympic bid, there has not only been no signs of any improvement in China's human rights record, but it can be even said that there is a serious retrogression in China's human rights situation.

December 14, 2007
According to statistics compiled by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, between September 2006 and December 10, 2007, there were 98 confirmed cases of investment back to Taiwan by overseas Taiwanese enterprises, with a total investment amount of approximately NT$9.7 billion.

December 14, 2007
A total of 31 provincial and city tourism bureaus as well as the Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China organized 255 booths at the 2007 Taipei International Travel Fair and the Second Cross-Strait Taipei Travel Fair.

December 14, 2007
At the Fujian Provincial Economic Work Conference, Fujian Governor Huang Xiaojing says he will deepen exchanges and cooperation between Fujian and Taiwan, accelerate the establishment of economic interest links, spiritual and cultural links, harmonious society links, and communication channel links to create a shared fate community across the Taiwan Strait and thereby further deepen the unity of feelings and cooperation between compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

December 15, 2007
During a symposium attended by overseas Chinese from New York, Sun Yafu, deputy director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, states that the major positions to be thoroughly carried out in future work on cross-strait relations will include, first, promoting the peaceful development of cross-strait relations while insisting on the "one China" principle; second, sincerely uniting with the great number of Taiwanese compatriots to jointly promote the grand resurgence of the Chinese people; and third, firmly opposing all forms of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.

December 16, 2007
In an essay published in Qiushi magazine (Vol. 469), Chen Yunlin, director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, says that "referendum on joining the United Nations (UN)," which Chen Shui-bian's administration is promoting, is an important step in attempting to change the status quo in which the Mainland and Taiwan are both parts of "one China" and a move towards "de jure Taiwan independence." The most important mission in China's Taiwan-related work at present remains to oppose and deter "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and especially "de jure Taiwan independence" activities. China is determined to thwart the dangerous scheme of Chen Shui-bian's administration to promote a referendum on joining the UN and move towards "Taiwan independence." China is also determined to stop "Taiwan independence" from taking risks and will never allow any person to separate Taiwan from China under any name or by any means.

December 17, 2007
A MAC spokesperson responds to the recent intensive visits by officials of China's Taiwan Affairs Office to the US and other countries to groundlessly attack and discredit Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations (UN), attempting thereby to misguide the understanding of the international and overseas Chinese communities regarding Taiwan's actions to promote democracy and seek its international personality and right to existence. The spokesperson solemnly states that China recently has used coarse tactics in an attempt to equate Taiwan's referendum on joining the UN with "de jure Taiwan independence." It has also threatened to launch a war to smash "Taiwan independence," creating regional tension in order to seek personal benefit. This amply demonstrates the emptiness of its frequent claims to "promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations." The MAC urges the international community to clearly recognize that while China's claims that it does not seek hegemony, its military preparations tell a starkly different story behind the scenes.

December 17, 2007
The Kaohsiung National Tax Administration states that if the mainland spouse and children of a taxpayer have not yet entered Taiwan, the taxpayer shall present a certificate issued by the local public security agency in China as documentation for application of tax exemptions for spouse and children when filing a consolidated income tax return in Taiwan. Tax exemptions will not be recognized if the certificate of family relationship is not verified by the Straits Exchange Foundation.

December 18, 2007
In response to a successful guided missile intercept test conducted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang states at a press conference that China hopes that Japan's related actions will be conducive to the maintenance of regional peace and stability as well as to the enhancement of mutual trust among countries in the region. The Taiwan question is an internal affair of China; and China opposes any country to interfere in the Taiwan issue in whatever form.

December 19, 2007
In a meeting with Lions Clubs International President Mahendra Amarasuiya, President Chen Shui-bian indicates that Taiwan and China are mutually independent of each other and do not have cross jurisdiction. He said this is the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and it is a fact. As a result, the 23 million people of Taiwan cannot accept that Taiwan's name in the Lions Club is to be changed to "China Taiwan" and that Taiwan be included as a part of China in order to facilitate the entry of China. The president said all the members of the Lions Clubs in Taiwan hope to complete the process of formally using the name "Taiwan" as Taiwan's name in the organization as soon as possible. He said the Taiwan branch of the organization has formally set up a task force to address the name issue.

December 19, 2007
Statistics compiled by the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce indicate that indirect trade between China and Taiwan amounted to US$112.79 billion in the first 11 months of 2007, an increase of 14.9% over the same period in 2006. China's exports to Taiwan amounted to US$21.18 billion and China's imports from Taiwan amounted to US$91.61 billion, giving China a trade deficit of US$70.43 billion.

December 19, 2007
The Fuzhou Municipal Education Bureau in China issues a notification stipulating that the children of Taiwanese businesspeople will, under equal conditions, receive priority admission and enjoy 10 bonus points on admission examinations for junior high schools in Fuzhou. Upon enrollment as a student, such children will enjoy the same treatment as do students with locally registered households.

December 19, 2007
During meetings with US Department of State and Department of Defense officials and scholars in New York and Washington, D.C., Sun Yafu, deputy director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, expresses hope that top officials in the US will openly criticize Taiwan's "referendum on joining the UN."

December 20, 2007
Responding to recent statements unfavorable to Taiwan by high-ranking US government officials, the MAC issues a formal statement expressing that Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) is a demonstration of the collective will of the Taiwanese people; it in no way runs counter to the "four noes" pledge, nor does it involve any change to national moniker, unilateral change to the status quo and the issue of so-called "de jure Taiwan independence." The US and China should not improperly interpret Taiwan's efforts to promote democracy, nor should they misjudge future developments in the cross-strait situation.

December 20, 2007
The Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs releases data indicating that in November 2007 approval was granted for 68 China-bound investments with a total value of US$784,922,000. In the first 11 months of 2007, there were 917 approved China-bound investments with a total value of US$8,448,607,000, a decrease of 6.71% and increase of 31.99%, respectively, from the same period of 2006.

December 20, 2007
The Training Office under the Fujian Provincial Department of Labor and Social Security in China states that from next year it will introduce Taiwan instructors and advanced models for vocational education and technical training.

December 21, 2007
The MAC issues a press release expressing intense dissatisfaction and condemnation over China's unauthorized inclusion of some Taiwan ports within its territory on the list of certified ports for countries announced on the International Health Regulations (IHR) section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. China's abominable actions of constantly using political violence abusively to intensify exorbitant demands on international organizations and to peremptorily suppress Taiwan's international survival space also seriously harm the feelings of the Taiwanese people and cross-strait relations.

December 21, 2007
The National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior updated the "Notice on Inviting Professionals of the Mainland Area to Engage in Activities in Taiwan."

December 21, 2007
In a meeting with overseas Chinese in Los Angeles, Sun Yafu, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council, says that the Taiwan issue is an internal affair of China. The Chinese government opposes any external interference in the Taiwan issue and opposes any form of Taiwan independence. China hopes that the many overseas Chinese compatriots will actively exercise their full influence to continue to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and work tirelessly for the ultimate realization of national unification.

December 22, 2007
US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice opposes Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) and calls the referendum a provocative policy. In response, the MAC expresses strong regret and solemnly reiterates again that Taiwan's referendum on it UN bid is the demonstration of the collective will of the Taiwanese people. It does not involve any change to national moniker or unilateral change to the status quo, nor does it in any way run counter to the "four noes " pledge. It also is not, as China deceptively claims, "de jure Taiwan independence." The US has ignored China's recent political and military pressuring of Taiwan and its provocative actions in attempting to change the status quo. This highly unbalanced Taiwan Strait policy seriously impacts regional peace and stability and harms the feelings and fundamental rights of the Taiwanese people.

December 22, 2007
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang indicates at a press conference that China has taken note of the remarks made by US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice and appreciates Washington's reiteration on many occasions of its adherence to "one China" policy, adherence to three China-US joint communiques, and opposition to "Taiwan independence" and to Taiwan's scheduled "referendum" on its UN bid. China hopes that the United States will continue taking effective measures to work with China to deter the Taiwan authorities from holding the referendum on Taiwan's UN bid and conducting other "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities so as to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

December 23, 2007
During a media interview in Los Angeles, Sun Yafu, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council states that the responses of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and US Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates regarding Taiwan's scheduled referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) are consistent with Sino-US relations and the shared strategic interests of China and the US. He also indicates that if Taiwan's referendum on its UN bid passes, it will lead to an even more serious crisis.

December 24, 2007
At a symposium on the "Referendum to Join the United Nations, Cross-Strait Relations and the Role of the US," MAC Vice Chairman Tung Chen-yuan states that the US has ignored China's continuous provocative actions to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. On the contrary, it has criticized the Taiwanese people, who have been internationally isolated in the political sphere by China, for expressing their opinion regarding the paricipation in the international community. This will only embolden China's hardliners to be even more unscrupulous and intense in pressuring and threatening Taiwan. Taiwan hopes that in its dealings with China, the US will firmly uphold its founding spirit and values by not sacrificing Taiwan's interests and democratic values and by not echoing the position of the Chinese dictatorship and supressing the expression of the will of the Taiwanese people to participate in the world.

December 24, 2007
In an interview with a reporter of Xinhua News Agency, Wang Jiarui, Head of the International Liaison Department under the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, states that China will use inter-party contacts and channels to actively explain its guiding policies on Taiwan and deepen the understanding of political parties in other countries regarding the Taiwan issue. China will especially reveal to foreign political parties the Taiwanese authorities' attempts at holding the "Taiwan-Africa Summit" and a "referendum on joining the United Nations." It will also encourage the political parties of some countries to take an active stance in upholding the "one China" principle and clearly opposing "Taiwan independence."

December 25, 2007
The spokesperson of Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs comments that Taiwan's United Nations (UN) referendum is provocative and irresponsible. It is up to the international community, and not Taiwan's unilaterally declared position alone, to determine whether or not the referendum is procovative. In response, the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its position indicating that China has always criticized all efforts by Taiwan to deepen democracy as "provocative." If Taiwan's friends in the international community cannot treat this matter without bias, and on the contrary invariably echo China's views, it will not be conducive to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

December 25, 2007
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang states at a press conference that, China attaches great importance to the fact that Japan has on many occasions stated that it adheres to the "one China" principle and it neither supports "Taiwan independence," nor the Taiwan authorities' attempt to hold the referendum on "United Nations membership." China hopes Japan will proceed from the overall interest of regional peace and stability as well as China-Japan relations and handle the Taiwan-related issues cautiously.

December 26, 2007
During the 2007 year-end press conference at the Executive Yuan, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states that from 2000 to 2007, Taiwan's market has been overly dependent on the Chinese market and the problem between Taiwan-China economic relations is the danger of overheating. At present, both sides of the Strait have made many breakthroughs in technical negotiations on passenger and cargo charter flights. The government also supports the prioritization of allowing Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan. However, China certainly has political considerations regarding this issue. As a result, it is necessary to undergo bilateral negotiations. Taiwan should also respond properly based on overall considerations.

December 26, 2007
The MAC announces the results of its most public opinion survey. The survey results indicate that 77.8% of those interviewed respond that China's attempts at pressuring Taiwan through the US will not make them oppose the holding of the referendum. This shows that the Taiwanese people hope to demonstrate their unswerving will to join the UN through the democratic and peaceful process. It also reflects to a considerable degree the Taiwanese people's dissatisfaction over the unreasonable situation that Taiwan currently suffers from in the international arena. Moreover, the public opinion survey shows that the percentage of the public believing that the Beijing authorities are unfriendly to the Taiwanese government and the Taiwanese people has again reached a new high at 66.8% and 50.6%, respectively. The MAC states that in the face of Taiwan's mainstream public opinion, China should employ a new mode of thinking and adopt new measures to resolve cross-strait hostility. This is the only way to benefit the development of cross-strait relations. Otherwise, China's so-called "placing hopes on the Taiwanese people" will only lead to even greater disappointment.

December 26, 2007
At a regular press conference, Zhang Wanming, deputy director of the Law and Regulation Bureau under the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council states that, according to statistics, from 1998 to the present, 16 arbitration organizations in China have recruited 48 professional arbitrators from the Taiwan Area. If a Taiwanese investor has an investment-related dispute with a mainland company, enterprise or other economic organization or individual, he can submit the disputed case to an arbitration organization for arbitration according to a contractual arbitration clause or subsequent written arbitration agreement. Chinese arbitration organizations can recruit Taiwanese arbitrators according to the relevant regulations.

December 28, 2007
In response to recent incidents including the hunger strike by the people of Hong Kong to seek general election rights and China's attempts to block and shut out Hong Kong's Yazhou Zhoukan magazine, the MAC sternly expresses that the Chinese government on the one hand proposes to promote and advance democratization in China, while on the other hand it repeatedly ignores the mainstream public opinion in Hong Kong, makes excuses for delaying full general general elections in Hong Kong, and even shuts out a magazine that exposes the truth, in an attempt to cover up its corrupt and atrocious actions. This seriously violates universal democratic values and harms freedom of the press.

December 28, 2007
The Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs releases statistics indicating that in the first 10 months of 2007, total trade between Taiwan and China amounted to US$83.47 billion. This is a 15.2% increase from the same period of 2006 and represents 21.9% of Taiwan's total trade during the period, up 1.4 percentage points from the same period in 2006. In the same comparison period, exports to China rose 16.1% to US$60.5 billion and accounted for 30% of Taiwan's total exports, up 1.8 percentage point; imports from China increased 12.8% to US$22.97 billion and accounted for 12.7% of Taiwan's total imports, up 0.6 percentage points trade; and Taiwan's trade surplus rose 18.2% to US$37.53 billion. In October alone, Taiwan's imports from China rose by 7.6% over the same month a year earlier to reach US$2.47 billion, accounting for 12.8% of Taiwan's total import amount and representing a historic record high for a single month.

December 29, 2007
In response to the Chinese leadership's demands that Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda express non-support for Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations, the MAC seriously protests China's recent repeated peremptory methods of using forcible means to manipulate international politics to get the international community to pressure Taiwan. The MAC also emphasizes that, based on the relationship of solid friendship and mutual understanding between Taiwan and Japan, Japan should respect and trust the wisdom and resolve of the Taiwanese people to exercise their democratic rights, and it absolutely should not bow to pressure from China.

December 30, 2007
Responding to recent statements by the Taiwan authorities regarding the development of Hong Kong's political system, a spokesperson of the Constitution and Mainland Affairs Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government states that Taiwan has no role in this matter.

December 31, 2007
The MAC issues a press release indicating that young intellectual elites on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are the pillars of society's overall development. Enhancing professional knowledge exchanges and communication of ideas between youth in Taiwan and China would be conducive to laying a foundation for mutual benign exchanges. However, cross-strait youth exchanges have long been unbalanced, with more Taiwanese youth visiting China, but fewer Chinese youth visiting Taiwan. In order to deal with this imbalance, the government's policy in the current stage is to promote correct understanding of Taiwanese society among Chinese youth and, by encouraging Chinese youth to come to Taiwan for exchanges, achieve the objective of deepening the understanding and awareness of Chinese youth toward Taiwan.

December 31, 2007
In order to prevent the illegal use of fishing boats and other transportation vehicles to smuggle Chinese people into Taiwan, the Council of Agriculture formulates the "Procedures for Managing Disposition Operations Involving Taiwan-registered Fishing Boats under Paragraphs 5 and 6 of Article 79 of the Act Governing Relations Between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" and the detailed regulations governing related work as outlined in the flowchart.