(1) The reciprocal exchange and free flow of information is the key to exchange of information across the Taiwan Strait. On the issue of allowing cross-strait media organizations to mutually establish permanent offices on the other side, the MAC has repeatedly expressed the hope for the Mainland to positively promote and achieve breakthroughs in areas of concern to the Taiwanese people, such as ending the Mainland blockage of Taiwan news websites, agreeing to allow Taiwanese magazine circulation in the Mainland, and ending Mainland interference with Taiwan radio broadcasts. A developed and open society allows full circulation of news information; it is hoped that the two sides may work together to advance cross-strait media exchanges in this direction.
(2) The purpose of cross-strait media exchanges should be to enhance mutual understanding, develop and promote reciprocal information exchange across the Strait. In order to strengthen cross-strait journalism exchanges, media reporters from the Mainland Area are allowed a longer period of stay in the Taiwan Area to make more in-depth and clearer observation and reporting on Taiwan society. The government announced at the end of 2000 a policy to allow the rotational stationing of Mainland media reporters in Taiwan (the length of each visit being one month) to cover news events. On June 30, 2008 the length of time Mainland reporters stationed in Taiwan was extended. In principle, a stay is limited to three months but, if necessary, the stay may be extended once for another three months. The government has also simplified the application procedures for stationed reporters in Taiwan, as well as increased the number of Mainland news agencies authorized to report from Taiwan to five agencies. On October 27, 2009, the government further relaxed restrictions on the number of Mainland media personnel stationed in Taiwan and permitted each agency to increase their staff to up to five persons. At the same time, the requirement that a notice must first be filed for reference when a Mainland reporter stationed in Taiwan covers news outside the permitted area was lifted. Furthermore, Mainland reporters were permitted, when necessary, to rent accommodations through their hosting organization. On August 1, 2013, restrictions were further relaxed to allow the issuance of a one-year multiple entry permit to approved mass communication professionals from the Mainland Area (including Mainland reporter stationed in Taiwan) if deemed necessary by the competent authority for the target industry to further facilitate news coverage by Mainland journalists in Taiwan.
(3) Since 2001, the MAC has invited Mainland media personnel to Taiwan for special interview activities so as to promote cross-strait media exchanges. Through such activities, the visiting reporters may better understand Taiwan from various perspectives, such as social development and the educational system, as well as interact and exchange with Taiwan media personnel. After the visiting reporters return to the Mainland, they may share their experiences in Taiwan with Mainland readers so that the Mainland public may gain better understanding of Taiwan.