January 1, 2002
The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications jointly promulgate the "Permit Guidelines for Allowing People from the Mainland Area to Visit Taiwan for Tourism." Mainland people residing overseas may be allowed to travel in Taiwan.
January 1, 2002
In his New Year Day Message, President Chen Shui-bian reiterates that once the Mainland abandons the threat of force and respects the people's choice of free will, both sides of the Strait can start by cultural, trade, and economic integration, and proceed toward a new framework of permanent peace and political integration.
January 2, 2002
MAC Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen expresses that Mainland capital will be allowed for investment in a number of industries in Taiwan's service sector and be put on the green-light list in the future. Moreover, the Government will establish in the transitional period special defense mechanisms for cross-Strait trade when it relaxes the importation of Mainland goods.
January 5, 2002
In a meeting with the visiting delegation of the "US-China Security Review Commission," President Chen Shui-bian proposes a three-equilibrium scheme, which is to seek for political equilibrium, economic equilibrium, and military equilibrium in post-elections cross-Strait relations, and to establish a constructive cooperation, not antagonistic exclusion. At the same time, he expresses the hope that the US can play the role of stabilizer, balancer, and moderator in cross-Strait relations, in order to build a platform of peaceful contact and dialogue for both sides of the Strait.
January 11, 2002
The Legislative Yuan reviews and passes the Quota for People of the Mainland Area Reside in the Taiwan Area, which significantly relaxes the restrictions and the number of Mainland spouses that can come to Taiwan. In the future, "dual-track systems" will be implemented in allowing Mainland spouses to come to Taiwan.
January 28, 2002
In a meeting with Dr. Richard Bush, Chairman of the American Institute of Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian expresses, in response to the statement of Qian Qichen, that the Government welcomes any action or statement that is beneficial to the stability of cross-Strait relations. The position of Taiwan's policy is constructive cooperation, not antagonistic exclusion. Cross-Strait policy will never change even though the DPP wins elections.
February 5, 2002
After the Government allowed Mainland tourists to visit Taiwan starting in January this year, the first batch of thirteen Mainland tourists with residence in Japan arrives in Taiwan.
February 15, 2002
The Ministry of Finance announces that in coordination with the Government's relaxation of cross-Strait direct trade, it has revised and promulgated related regulations of the "Guidelines for Financial Institutions in the Taiwan Area in Remittance Operations to the Mainland Area" and the "Guidelines for Banking Institutions in the Taiwan Area in Import-Export Foreign Exchange Operations with the Mainland Area."
March 13, 2002
In a question and answer session at the Legislative Yuan's Home and Nations Committee , MAC Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen expresses that in the event that the businesses being operated by "former political appointees" in the Mainland are related to the government positions they held, the Government will advise them to withdraw from operating such businesses.
April 2, 2002
The Legislative Yuan passes the revisions of Articles 24, 35, and 69 of the "Act Governing Relations Between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" after three readings, as well as the regulations removing double taxation of remitted profits of Taiwan investment on the Mainland, allowing Taiwan businessmen to register with the government after establishing plants without prior approval, and approving Mainland investments in Taiwan's land and real estate.
April 24, 2002
The Ministry of Economic Affairs announces the list of "Prohibited Categories of Manufacturing and Agricultural Products in Investment Activities or Technological Cooperation in the Mainland Area," and revises Article 7 of the "Permit Guidelines for Engaging in Investment Activities or Technological Cooperation in the Mainland Area."
The SEF officially starts the "emergency hotline" service. Any person from the Taiwan area who proceeds to the Mainland and encounters any threat of life or material possession may call the 24-hour hotline number (02) 27129292 for assistance.
May 9, 2002
A ceremony marks the opening of the service counters of the Chek Lak Kop Airport office of the Chung Hwa Travel Agency under our Representative Office in Hong Kong, which will start operations on May 10. It will handle the issuance of travel documents to Mainland people coming to Taiwan via Hong Kong.
May 9, 2002
President Chen Shui-bian reiterates at Dadan Island that, first, the normalization of cross-Strait relations is the foundation toward permanent peace across the Strait, and that the normalization of cross-Strait relations needs to start from the normalization of trade and economic relations. Second, both sides of the Strait should reopen talks in order to minimize misunderstandings and misjudgments. Third, the cross-Strait "Three-Links" are a road that needs to be taken, and that the "Mini-Three-Links" are the first step toward the "Three-Links," and that the expansion of the "Mini-Three-Links" for the benefit of the people in the areas of Kinmen and Matsu is imperative.
May 10, 2002
In an interview and before ending his trip in Taitung, President Chen Shui-bian expresses that authorizing Non-government entities to hold the cross-Strait "Three-Links" negotiations can be considered. The Government can direct the way, participate, intermediate, but does not have to stand at the frontline. However, we need to be firm on three principles, that is, Taiwan should not be dwarfed, marginalized, or downgraded.
May 19, 2002
In an interview with the German Weekly Der Spiegel, President Chen Shui-bian expresses that Taiwan is a sovereign independent country, and is not part of the People's Republic of China. The majority of the Taiwanese people reject the "one country, two systems" and hopes for the maintenance of the status quo. Therefore, during his term, he will not declare independence, change the name of the country, and hold any public referendum. As long as both sides of the Strait do away with political maneuvering and concentrate on economic benefits, the issues with regard to the "Three-Links" will be immediately worked out.
May 22, 2002
In a report on the cross-Strait trends at a session of the Legislative Yuan's Home and Nations Committee, MAC Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen expresses that before both sides of the Strait resume negotiations, the Government can transitionally consider authorizing other civilian organizations to negotiate on matters concerning cross-Strait transport, and assist in the handling of related affairs on cross-Strait personnel exchanges.
June 10, 2002
The Ministry of the Interior promulgates the revision of Article 9 of the "Permit Guidelines for the Entry, Residency, and Permanent Stay of Hong Kong and Macao Residents in the Taiwan Area."
June 19, 2002
The Executive Yuan significantly revises the relaxation scope of the "Mini-Three-Links" at Kinmen and Matsu.
June 21, 2002
The Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) relaxes regulations concerning Mainland people coming to Taiwan to work. Any Mainland person holding an Alien Residence Certificate but has not obtained an Identification Card, may be able to enjoy employment rights as of now, and do not need to obtain a working permit from the CLA.
June 29, 2002
New Taiwan-Hong Kong aviation agreement: "Air Transportation Arrangements between Taiwan and Hong Kong" is signed and takes effect on July 1.
July 22, 2002
When the International Lions' Club invited the Mainland to become a member, the Mainland demanded that its name be China and Taiwan's name changed to "China Taiwan." This is downgrading Taiwan to become part of the Mainland, and so this proposal was seriously protested by us. Shen Chu-hsiung, the new chairman of the Taiwan Chapter pointed out that, with our protest, the International Lions' Club held its annual conference in early July in Osaka with a promise to call us the "Multiple District 300 Taiwan Area," and to hold trilateral negotiations between the ILC, the Mainland and Taiwan in October.
July 23, 2002
In a regular press conference, the Ministry of National Defense publicly explains the contents of the "National Defense Report" (also called the National Defense White Paper) and points out that the armed force has made significant changes in its military strategy against the enemy. The "anti-landing" military strategy emphasized for a long time has been taken off from the military strategy priorties.
July 25, 2002
The MAC issues a statement expressing that the Government has always hoped that cross-Strait relations will develop toward positive interaction. However, a few people in the Mainland make criticisms of Taiwan's president in a very unfriendly manner, which is not at all constructive to cross-Strait relations and is not something that we welcome.
July 31, 2002
The Executive Yuan passes the partial revision of the "Guidelines for the Trial Implementation of Direct Transportation Links between Kinmen and Matsu, and the Mainland Area." The implementation of the "Mini-Three-Links" will be appropriately expanded on condition that security and effective management be maintained.
August 2, 2002
The Ministry of Finance revises and promulgates the "Measures Governing Banking Sector's Correspondence Between the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area." In the future, companies wishing to invest in the Mainland will be able to decide freely between a direct and indirect form of investment. Only wafer plant investments require direct investment approval.
August 3, 2002
The 29th Annual Meeting of the World Federation of Taiwanese Associations takes place in Tokyo. In a live video link from the Office of the President, President Chen Shui-bian delivers the opening address emphasizing that Taiwan is our country and is not part of any other country, nor is it a local government or province of other country. It can never be another Hong Kong or Macao, because it has always been a sovereign state. Taiwan and the Mainland standing on opposite sides of the Strait, and are "one country on each side." This has to be made clear. The Mainland has not abandoned the use of force against Taiwan, and it continues to suppress Taiwan in the international arena. This is a great offense to the feelings of the Taiwanese people.
August 5, 2002
MAC Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen represents the Government in stating four points to explain the statement of President Chen Shui-bian on "one country on each side," as follows: (1) the central idea of the Government's Mainland policy remains unchanged; (2) promotion of cross-Strait trade and economy policies will be continued; (3) constructive cross-Strait interaction remains unchanged; and (4) Taiwan hopes the Mainland will stop testing the baseline of Taiwan's policies by resorting to actions that are destructive to cross-Strait relations.
August 12, 2002
The Ministry of Economic Affairs promulgates the "Key Points in the Review and Monitoring of Wafer Plant Investments in the Mainland Area," which takes effect immediately.
August 13, 2002
The notarial office of the Taoyuan District Court points out that the Mainland's ARATS has started to refuse authenticating documents with the Republic of China seals since the start of April. After the mediation of the SEF, authenticated documents issued by the Court will bear the western calendar year instead of the ROC calendar year, and the seal will be replaced by the title and stamp of the notary-public. Only the name and password of the Court remains unchanged. After authentication, the document will be forwarded to the Mainland through the SEF, which scheme has been approved by the Mainland. The rejected documents have been gradually acted on after being re-processed.
August 16, 2002
The Postmaster General of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications announces that it will expand services to include the handling of express mail to and from the Mainland starting on the 20th.
August 24, 2002
President Chen Shui-bian invites high-level officials of the Office of the President, the Executive Yuan, and the ruling party to join him in a conference at Tahsi, Taoyuan. Under the guideline of the economic strategy being the entry point of national development, the conference achieves ten resolutions, which includes one stipulating that executive agencies should evaluate and plan the implementation of cross-Strait direct transportation links.
August 25, 2002
MAC Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen expresses during a Cross-Strait Affairs Panel report at the "Evaluation of the Implementation of the Consensus at the Economic Development Advisory Conference" that on the promotion of cross-Strait trade and economic development, the Economic Development Advisory Conference has achieved 36 recommendations including the four basic principles of "putting Taiwan's interest first, while maintaining a global perspective, in order to attain mutual benefit with sound risk management." The portions that are within our control and are feasible on the short-term have been implemented within the past year. Remaining items and other middle- and long-term projects have also been gradually implemented.
August 28, 2002
The Ministry of the Interior promulgates the revision of the "Permit Guidelines for the Entry of People from the Taiwan Area into the Mainland Area," and relaxes the restrictions concerning government employees with the ranking of 10th grade and above who have third-degree relatives, step-parents, in-laws, or spouses in the Mainland enabling them to apply entry into the Mainland area to visit relatives or visit the sick.
September 2, 2002
MOFA Minister Eugene Chien announces at a press conference that the ROC has established a "Taipei Trade and Economic Representative Office" at Ulan Batur, capital of Mongolia since September 1st. The first representative is Huang Ching-hsiung.
September 3, 2002
The Control Yuan passes the corrections of the following: "The Executive Yuan has not established an effective mechanism to monitor information about the investments of Taiwanese businessmen in the Mainland" and "The responsible authorities concerned have not proposed any effective countermeasure to cope with the Taiwanese businessmen's leaving their debt in Taiwan."
September 10, 2002
President Chen Shui-bian expresses that the threat of the Mainland's waging of a long-term "ultra-limit war" against Taiwan is basically similar to any terrorist attack in nature. The fear and threat caused by the Mainland's deployment of 400 missiles along the coastal area of the Taiwan Strait have long surpassed the limit of a terrorist attack.
September 11, 2002
The Bureau of Immigration of the Ministry of the Interior promulgates the revision of the "Permit Guidelines for the Permanent Residency or Permanent Stay in the Taiwan Area of People from the Mainland Area" and the "Permit Guidelines for the Entry of People from the Mainland Area into the Taiwan Area," relaxing the restrictions on permanent residency, temporary residency, and temporary stay of Mainland spouses in Taiwan.
September 19, 2002
The Executive Yuan announces the approval of the return of a 1,300 year Buddha head statue by the Dharma Drum Mountain Cultural and Educational Foundation to the Mainland.
September 24, 2002
In an Autumn Festival Gathering of Taiwanese Businessmen in the Mainland, President Chen Shui-bian expresses that cross-Strait relations will have the priorities, namely, "investments, economy, Taiwan," as the foundation for future cross-Strait talks on the "Three-Links."
September 25, 2002
An Executive Yuan session approves the partial revision of the "Statute Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and Mainland Area," totally adding, revising, editing 56 articles.
October 7, 2002
In a meeting with a visiting foreign journalist delegation in Taiwan to participate in the Double Tenth celebrations, MAC Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen expresses the hope that the international society and other third-party countries will be of assistance to the resumption of cross-Strait talks. However cross-Strait issue should still be resolved by both parties concerned, and there will be no need for arbiters or lawyers.
November 7, 2002
In answering questions posed by legislators at a session of the Legislative Yuan's Home and Nations Committee , MAC Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen proposed four principles on the cross-Strait talks on the "Three-Links," namely, Government direction, civilian assistance, priority of the SEF, and that there will be no intrusion into Gov't authority.
November 9, 2002
In a written congratulatory message to the 1st Inferactional conference of the Global Alliance for Democracy and Peace, President Chen Shui-bian proposes "democracy and peace" as a precondition in the resumption of cross-Strait negotiations and expresses that the Mainland has waged a long-term "unrestricted war" on Taiwan, and has attempted to rapidly destroy Taiwan's political, economic, financial, and military facilities by using "Fifth Column" strategies without any warning.
November 25, 2002
The Executive Yuan announces that it will combine bank cash flow and the taxation information system in implementing the monitoring mechanism of capita, to prevent some businesses in the country from "taking cash into the Mainland, and leaving the debt in Taiwan."
November 29, 2002
With regard to the appeal of Mainland spouses, the MAC issues a statement saying that it hopes the Mainland spouses will understand the comprehensive plan of the Government and consider the country's comprehensive welfare capability, and treat related law revisions in a harmonions and rational manner.
December 4, 2002
An Executive Yuan session approves the "Program for Special Chartered Flights for Taiwanese Businessmen Returning from the Mainland During the Lunar New Year" jointly proposed by the MAC and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. The proposal states that the airline companies that will apply to operate these indirect cross-Strait chartered flights shall land at Hong Kong or Macao for a stopover. The number of flights and the number of passengers will not be restricted.
December 9, 2002
Lu Ping (pen name Ping Lu), Director of the Kwang Hwa Information and Culture Center, agency of the Government Information Office, Executive Yuan, expresses after obtaining the visa approved by the Hong Kong Government that as soon as she takes office, she will work hard for the promotion of cultural exchanges among the three areas across both sides of the Strait, in order to dissolve antagonism, and reduce misunderstanding.
December 18, 2002
In an opening address at the academic conference on the "Evaluation of the Domestic and International Environment after the Mainland's 16th Party Congress," MAC Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen points out that the Government's future cross-Strait policy will be developed toward building "a platform of " cross-Strait exchanges, and hopes that it will also attract Mainland capital, human resources, and tourists to Taiwan, in order to correct the present situation of uni-directional trend.
December 19, 2002
The Ministry of Economic Affairs announces that the domestic sector has been conditionally allowed to invest in the Mainland's real estate. The overall amount of Mainland investment in the first year shall be restricted to within US$10 billion. Single investment projects will be limited to a maximum of US$10 million. Investment in development, construction, and rental and selling in industrial areas, industrial and commercial areas, public constructions, and urbanization projects shall not be allowed.
December 27, 2002
In order to strengthen the review and management measures of applications for Mainland investments, the Executive Yuan announces a series of measures to reinforce the monitor of capital flow, including the setting up of contact venues where people can report irregularities, appropriation of bonus cash for cases solved, the establishment of protective measures for people who report irregularities, and the systemization of capital flow and taxation information. Certain Taiwanese businessmen who violate regulations, who constitute a minority, will be severely punished, in order to guarantee the interests of the law-abiding Taiwanese businessmen.
December 31, 2002
In his year-end statement, President Chen Shui-bian points out that the policies of "richly cultivating Taiwan while reaching out to the world" and "proactive liberalization with effective management" can absolutely produce a win-win situation for both sides of the Strait, and hopes that the authorities of both sides will create collective benefits for the interests of Taiwanese businessmen and the development of cross-Strait trade and economy through negotiations and dialogue.