Mainland Affairs Council

January 1, 2008
Presiding at a national founding memorial ceremony, President Chen Shui-bian states that the preamble of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China clearly indicates that: "Taiwan is part of the sacred territory of the People's Republic of China." Besides steadfastly denying the existence of the Republic of China, Beijing has done all in its power to suppress Taiwan and prevent it from enjoying the international status and space to which it is entitled as a sovereign country. Over the past seven-plus years, the number of tactical ballistic missiles deployed by China on its side of the Taiwan Strait has increased to today's 1,328. In addition to setting in motion a three-stage plan for its People's Liberation Army to invade Taiwan, Beijing is poised to designate an "air defense identification zone" in the Taiwan Strait and open a new civil air route along the median of the Taiwan Strait. In doing so, China is once again challenging and attempting to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

January 1, 2008
Regarding President Chen Shui-bian's 2008 New Year's Day Address, the MAC addresses a five-point appeal to the Beijing authorities:

1. We appeal to China to join with Taiwan in promoting cross-strait peace and development, and to join hands with Taiwan in normalizing cross-strait relations.
2. We appeal to the Beijing authorities to remove the political obstacle created by the "one China framework" so as to begin peaceful cross-strait dialogue and promote cross-strait development.
3. We appeal to the Beijing authorities to learn from past lessons, to stop intimidating Taiwan's democracy and to stop threatening international peace.
4. We appeal to the Beijing authorities to immediately stop military intimidation against Taiwan and stop provocative actions that seek to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
5. We appeal to the Beijing authorities to stop taking political considerations in mind and to promptly resume negotiations on the many technical matters regarding cross-strait economic and trade exchanges.

January 1, 2008
In response to a request by Chinese tourist Wu Yalin's request for political asylum from the Taiwanese government, the MAC issues a press release indicating that Chinese persons who come to Taiwan for tourism and need to extend their stay in Taiwan may, within the legal period of their visa, apply to extend their stay under the relevant stipulations, according to the Regulations Governing the Permission of People of the Mainland Area to Visit Taiwan for Tourism Activities. Moreover, since the involved party is seeking political asylum, this matter involved the powers and duties of the related agencies, which must consult on this matter to determine the facts.

January 1, 2008
During a New Year tea reception at the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Chinese President Hu Jintao states that in the new year China will stick firmly to the basic guidelines of "peaceful unification" and the "one country, two systems" formula and the eight-point proposal on developing cross-strait relations and promoting peaceful unification of the motherland in the current phase. China will never waver in its adherence to the "one China" principle; never give up its efforts at striving for peaceful unification; never change its efforts at thoroughly carrying out the principle of "placing hopes on the Taiwanese people"; and never compromise in its opposition to "Taiwan independence" separatist activities. China will firmly seize the theme of the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and sincerely work for the welfare of compatriots on both sides and for peace in the Taiwan Strait area. It will continue implementing and enhancing policy measures beneficial to the great number of Taiwanese compatriots; work hard for all sons and daughters of the Chinese nation, including Taiwan compatriots; and continue to promote the grand endeavor of the peaceful unification of the motherland.

January 2, 2008
In an interview with Sebastien Le Belzic, special correspondent in Beijing for the international news station France 24, President Chen Shui-bian states that the holding of the referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) under the name of Taiwan not only is an extremely important step in consolidating and deepening Taiwan's democracy, but it also represents the fact that extremely important democratic values and basic human rights can be further cultivated and grow strongly in Taiwan. President Chen also indicates that Taiwan is a sovereign country, that Taiwan is absolutely not a part of China and is not a province of the People's Republic of China, nor is it a local government of China. He also emphasizes that if both sides want to have contact, dialogue, and negotiations, China must first respect the fact and status quo that Taiwan is a sovereign country. Secondly, China must respect the free will and choice of the 23 million Taiwanese people. Thirdly, any disputes and differences must be resolved through peaceful means without resorting to force or other non-peaceful means. Finally, related cross-strait negotiations must be conducted based on equality of position. They cannot be based on big versus small, nor can they be based on the assertion that the Beijing authorities are the central government and the Taipei side is only a local government. This kind of unequal negotiations and talks also cannot lead to the signing of a cross-strait peace accord.

January 8, 2008
At a year-end press conference, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong announces that in order to ensure the employment rights and household income of Chinese spouses in Taiwan, under the principle of "better social assistance, improved PR approval," the government will study and discuss the possibility of relaxing restrictions on their employment rights so that Chinese spouses can find work and support their family livelihood.

January 8, 2008
The Directorate General of Customs under the Ministry of Finance posts an announcement notifying that, under the Regulations on Exemption from Import Permits for the Import of Small Quantities of Goods from Mainland China, Free Trade Zone enterprises can transport small quantities of Chinese goods that are not yet permitted for general import to Taiwan to taxable areas.

January 8, 2008
The Department of Investment Services under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, related bureaus, departments and research institutes of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and various county and city government industrial development and investment promotion committees establish a service platform to help companies investing in Taiwan with the acquisition of needed land and factories, industry trend information, introduction of business opportunities, and the upgrading and transformation of services. Taiwanese businesses abroad are welcomed to invest in Taiwan and extensively use the service office.

January 9, 2008
The MAC indicates that, according to statistics compiled by the Ministry of the Interior, at present about 44,000 Chinese spouses have obtained long-term resident visas and identity cards in Taiwan. They have also been granted the right to vote and have not suffered any political interference in Taiwan.

January 9, 2008
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a 2008 China White Paper on Foreign Policy. The white paper indicates that, in response to the Taiwan authorities' promotion of "de jure Taiwan independence" and a "referendum on joining the United Nations (UN)," attempts to join the UN and World Health Organization (WHO) under the name of Taiwan and other such actions, China will extensively carry out work in the international community and firmly defend the "one China" principle. With regard to the wrong act committed by the leaders of certain countries in meeting with the Dalai Lama, China must carry on struggle on just grounds, to our advantage, and with restraint.

January 10, 2008
At a pre-election meeting of a Hong Kong and Macao election observation group, MAC Vice Chairman Tung Chen-yuan presents a speech stating that the Chinese authorities have repeatedly voiced unreasonable abuses through the media and unreasonably equated Taiwan's democratic efforts with "de jure Taiwan independence," thereby totally denying the manifestation of the will of all of the Taiwanese people. Moreover, the democratic referendum on joining the UN under the name of Taiwan is not related to a change to national moniker or constitutional reform, nor does it run counter to President Chen's "four noes" pledge. However, the Chinese authorities have repeatedly exerted harsh suppression. On the one hand, China has effusively stated that it "places the hopes on the Taiwanese people," while on the other hand it has continuously suppressed Taiwan's international survival space through abominable means. This amply demonstrates the absurdity and irrationality of China's cross-strait policy.

January 11, 2008
Attending the award presentation ceremony of 2007 Awards for Cross-strait Cinematic Exchanges, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that the only way to breakthrough the current cross-strait political bottleneck is by promoting the normalization of cross-strait relations. This means the normalization of national status and mutual acknowledgement of the other side's existence. Under this condition there would no longer be any problem with the negotiation and signing of agreements between both sides on currency clearance mechanisms and financial supervision mechanisms. Regardless of who is in power in the future, the Beijing authorities must resolve this political issue and seek the normal development of cross-strait relations.

January 11, 2008
The Institute of Taiwan Studies at Beijing Union University officially establishes a Hakka Center. This is the first institution in China established mainly for conducting scientific research on Hakka people in Taiwan.

January 13, 2008
MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates at a press conference that, the MAC continues to carry out work regarding cross-strait direct transportation links, including the opening of the "Mini Three-Links," Lunar New Year charter flights and festival charter flights. At present, festival charter flights are provided for a total period of 10 weeks, meaning that Taiwan's airlines can fly directly to and from China during one-fifth of the year. The opening of cross-strait direct transportation links requires many accompanying measures, such as assistance measures to benefit Taiwan's overall economy and industries after such links are opened. The opening up of links will also have a deep impact on Taiwan, and such policies therefore need to be carefully assessed.

January 13, 2008
The MAC issues a press release appealing to the international community to jointly press China to honor its pledges on Hong Kong's right to general elections. The MAC indicates that democracy is a universal value. All members of the international community should be more concerned about the pursuit of democratic activities in any area. The MAC also indicates that the implementation of full general elections in Hong Kong will not only help to strengthen the governance capacity of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, but will also serve as a starting point for China to promote democratic general elections. If the Chinese authorities continue to use any excuse to postpone the Hong Kong general election, they will lose the support of the people and damage their international reputation. The MAC specially appeals to the international community to continue to show concern over the issue of democratic progress in Hong Kong.

January 14, 2008
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) states that it was entrusted by the responsible authority to send a letter to the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) demanding that the related agencies in China assist in arresting Liu Jia-chang and his wife Chang Chia-chen, both of whom are wanted criminals in Taiwan.

January 14, 2008
For this year's Lunar New Year charter flight services, 12 airline companies have arranged a total of 94 round-trip flights from six flight points, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xiamen in China and Taipei and Kaohsiung in Taiwan.

January 14, 2008
The Haicang, Xiamen Taiwan Business Investment Zone introduced 28 new measures on enterprise founding, protection, life and exchanges related to Taiwanese business compatriots in Haicang.

January 14, 2008
In a meeting with US Pacific Command commander Admiral Timothy J. Keating, CPC Central Military Commission member Chen Bingde says that the Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive "core issue" in Sino-US relations. Recently, Chen Shui-bian has brazenly promoted a "referendum on joining the United Nations" and other "Taiwan independence" separatist activities that seriously threaten peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait area and the joint interests of China and the United States. China hopes that the US will stop military contact with Taiwan, stop selling weapons to Taiwan, and not send wrong signals to the Taiwan authorities.

January 14, 2008
In a meeting with US Pacific Command commander Admiral Timothy J. Keating, Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Guo Boxiong states that China is willing to pursue the prospect of peaceful unification with the utmost sincerity and effort. However, it will never tolerate "Taiwan independence" and will never allow any person to separate Taiwan from China under any name or by any means. China hopes that the US will stop military contact with Taiwan, stop selling weapons to Taiwan, not send wrong signals to the Taiwan authorities, and join China in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

January 15, 2008
At an overseas Chinese banquet in Guatemala, President Chen Shui-bian delivers a speech stating that due to the increasing economic power, China is more than ever intensifying its military intimidation and diplomatic suppression against Taiwan, and is going to any extreme by all conceivable means. However, Taiwan cannot allow itself to be duped. Taiwan must exert the utmost effort to promote its membership in the United Nations through the holding of a referendum vote. It must also bravely express its voice to China and the entire world through the direct democratic method of holding a referendum.

January 16, 2008
Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Vice Chairman Lin Shu-min represents the government in visiting the Chinese crew members rescued from a shipwrecked Ta-Chi-Lun, a Panamanian-registered ship. The SEF indicates that it promptly contacted the China-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) to request assistance in notifying the families of the crew members that the 13 crew members rescued are undergoing hospital treatment. The SEF will also pay close attention to the follow-up operations for rescuing the 11 missing crew members, and notify ARATS of any developments to be passed onto the families of the crew members.

January 17, 2008
China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) sends a letter to the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) notifying that it would continue to closely watch the follow-up situation and assist in the handling of problems related to the Taiwan-flagged freighter Jin Bao that sank off Shantou en route from Hong Kong.

January 17, 2008
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) sends a reply letter to the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) expressing thanks for the assistance provided by China in the Jin Bao freighter incident. It also expresses hope that the Chinese side will continue to make every effort to search for and rescue the five crew members that are still missing and properly accommodate the rescued crew members. In addition, the SEF immediately contacted the Taiwanese Businesspeople's Association in Shantou to request that a representative visit and console the rescued crew members and provide necessary assistance.

January 17, 2008
A symposium is held in Beijing for the publication of the 2006 "Taiwan Work Yearbook" edited and written under the authorization of the Taiwan Work Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

January 18, 2008
The Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs releases data indicating that in December 2007, approval was granted for 79 China-bound investments with a total value of US$1,521,930,000. In 2007, there were 996 approved China-bound investments with a total value of US$9,970,540,000, down 8.62% and up 30.46%, respectively, from the same period of 2006.

January 18, 2008
Shao Qiwei, director of China's National Tourism Administration, states at the China National Travel Work Conference that in 2008, the National Tourism Administration will continue to promote exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan's travel industry and hold the 11th Cross-Strait Friendship Association of Travel Agencies, the 4th Cross-Strait Travel Fair, and the 3rd Cross-Strait Taipei Travel Fair.

January 18, 2008
Fujian Provincial Governor Huang Xiaojing states that Fujian will "take the initiative" in eight areas of contacts with Taiwan, including in importing Taiwan fruit tariff-free; in expanding the types and scope of Taiwan agricultural products permitted for import to the mainland; establishing distribution centers for Taiwan agricultural and aquatic products; resuming cross-strait cooperation on fishing labor; allowing Taiwanese persons residing in the mainland to register privately or individually-owned business; holding trade fairs, book fairs and cultural and art performances in Taiwan; starting cargo services between Xiamen and Kinmen; and developing cross-strait exchanges in occupational skills education and training.

January 18, 2008
China will install a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system in the Taiwan Strait to prevent various types of accidents from occurring. The VTS system uses radar and wireless communication equipment to monitor ship traffic within harbors and ship traffic to and from harbors and provide ships during navigation with a needed security signal system.

January 21, 2008
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that the MAC is studying a model for the opening of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourists. It is planning to allow Chinese tourists to travel to Taiwan on international cruise liners via a third country.

January 22, 2008
The MAC issues a press release responding to China's manipulation of the official procedures of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board to peremptorily include Taiwan, without ample discussion, within the scope of the International Health Regulations (IHR). The press release states that China has constantly abused political violence and made demands of international organizations to peremptorily pressure Taiwan's international space for survival. In the WHO, an organization deeply involved in the health rights and interests of the 23 million people of Taiwan and the entire world, China has deceptively stated that it cares for the health of the Taiwanese people. In addition to annually blocking Taiwan's applications for WHO membership, China has privately signed with the WHO a memorandum of understanding restricting Taiwan's contact with the WHO. Moreover, China recently used the occasion of the formal implementation of the IHR last June to carry out a new round of political suppression. This included a food security incident involving China's procrastination in notifying Taiwan of the shipment of toxic corn from Thailand to Taiwan in September; and China's demand that the WHO not have direct contact with related agencies in Taiwan-a demand that neglect the life security and health rights and interests of the Taiwanese people. In December, moreover, Beijing manipulated IHR-related documents to include eight Taiwanese ports within the territory of China, again exposing China unreasonable and incessant scheming to dwarf Taiwan's sovereign status.

January 22, 2008
MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu publishes a paper entitled "Taiwan Should Actively Promote the Legislation of the Refugee Act and Implement the Nation's Founding Concept of Human Rights." The paper indicates that in recent years, cases involving Chinese people entering Taiwan without permission to seek asylum have been investigated on an individual basis to determine whether or not the person has been involved in democracy movements in China. Moreover, such cases will be appropriately handled in reference to the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the laws of other countries, and Taiwan's draft of Refugee Act.

January 22, 2008
In a meeting in with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin, China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi states that Germany will continue to follow the "one China" policy resolutely, recognize that Taiwan and Tibet are part of the Chinese territory, firmly oppose Taiwan's "referendum on joining the United Nations" and refrain from supporting or encouraging any effort of seeking Tibet independence, which the Chinese side appreciates very much.

January 23, 2008
In a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Berlin, China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi states that China appreciates the position of the US administration, including the remarks made by Secretary of State Rice regarding the opposition against Taiwan's "referendum on the UN membership." He urged the US side to join hands with the Chinese side to make more efforts in maintaining the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and in stabilizing the overall situation of Sino-US relations.

January 26, 2008
China's Ministry of Information Industry and the Fujian Provincial Government sign a cooperation agreement to promote the establishment of Fujian as a strong information industry province on the west side of the Taiwan Strait and an experimental zone for cross-strait industry cooperation. The key points of the agreement are to encourage Fujian to serve as a conduit for the transfer of the information industry in the Taiwan Area to the Mainland Area and to accelerate the implementation of direct postal and telecommunications services between Xiamen and Kinmen and between Mawei and Matsu.

January 27, 2008
Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee, publishes an article in the first 2008 issue of Cross-strait Relations magazine entitled, "Upholding Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait and Seeking Bright Prospects for Cross-strait Relations." In the article, he states that China will continue to encourage cross-strait personnel contacts and economic and cultural exchanges; and continue to implement and enhance policy measures beneficial to the great number of Taiwanese compatriots. China also hopes that cross-strait negotiations and talks can be resumed to resolve or seek to resolve various issues, including economic, political, military, and diplomatic issues. China has solemnly proposed that, on the basis of the "one China" principle, negotiations can be conducted to formally end the state of hostility across the Taiwan Strait, reach a Peace Accord, establish a framework for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and open up new era in the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. China will work hard with Taiwan compatriots toward a new phase of the peaceful development of cross-strait relations.

January 30, 2008
Responding to the heavy snow storms in China and their likely impact on Taiwanese businesses, the MAC issues a press release indicating that, according to Taiwan's understanding, some Taiwanese businesses in China have felt an impact from the storms on their production, shipping and supply operations. However, the overall impact of the storm is still under control. The MAC states that, government agencies in Taiwan are already handling and responding to related matters and are deeply concerned about the Taiwanese businesspeople and students affected by the storms in China. The MAC urges China to provide the necessary assistance and support.

January 30, 2008
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that if the Chinese snow storm calamity hampers flights, airline companies can flexibly adjust their flight schedules after notifying the related agencies on the two sides.

January 30, 2008
The MAC indicates that the severe weather brought by continued heavy snow storms in central and eastern China has affected 90 million people in 17 provinces and cities. The MAC asks the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) to send a formal letter to the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) expressing concern and sympathy for the Chinese people.

January 30, 2008
Yang Yi, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council, states that in 2007, China imported US$187 million worth of agricultural products from Taiwan, up 23% from the year before. A total of 3,143 tons of such products, valued at US$4,334,000, were imported to China tariff-free, representing a preferential tax amount of 4,862,000 renminbi.

January 30, 2008
At a press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of China's State Council, spokesperson Yang Yi announces that the State Council has approved a major transportation passage between Manchuria and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Accordingly, the Ministry of Railways and Fujian Province will jointly conduct planning and deployment of a railway passage on the west side of the Taiwan Strait.

January 30, 2008
From January this year, an export permit management system will be adopted for natural sand and gravel exports from Fujian to Taiwan. The Fuzhou customs authorities will further streamline and regulate the supervision and management procedures for small volume trade with Taiwan.

February 1, 2008
The Fuzhou customs authority will further streamline and regulate the procedures for supervising and managing small-scale trade with Taiwan. At the earliest possible date, it will realize the supervision and management points for the development of operations related to small-scale trade between Huangqi and Taiwan. It will also carry out management at Mawei, Sansha, Meizhou Island and other market concentration points for small-scale trade with Taiwan.

February 2, 2008
The Taiwan Affairs Office under the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council issue an authorized statement indicating that Chen Shui-bian's administration insists on holding "referendum on joining the United Nations (UN)." This is a major step in an attempt to change the status quo in which China and Taiwan are both parts of one China, a move toward "de jure Taiwan independence," and a "referendum on Taiwan independence" in disguise. If this plot is allowed to gain its purpose, it will have a serious impact on cross-strait relations. Both China and Taiwan belong to one China. Any issue involving China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be decided collectively by all of the 1.3 billion Chinese people, including Taiwanese compatriots. China is very concerned about the development of the "referendum on joining the UN." If Chen Shui-bian's administration clings obstinately to its own course and make a reckless move, it will pay a heavy price.

February 3, 2008
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong sternly denounces the malicious criticisms and threats made by the Taiwan Work Office under the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council against the holding of the referendums on joining and returning to the United Nations (UN). Chairman Chen solemnly emphasizes that the Chinese authorities deceptively claim that, "The contradictions and differences between both sides of the Taiwan Strait can be fully resolved through negotiations based on parity during the process of peacefully developing cross-strait relations." However, over the past eight years, during which Taiwan has constantly and positively made goodwill gestures, the Beijing authorities have still rigidly insisted that Taiwan should accept their framework established under the precondition of the "one China principle" and have refused to negotiate with Taiwan under the principle of parity. China's criticism against Taiwan's referendums only further demonstrates Beijing's lack of understanding of the cross-strait reality and the reaction of the public opinion in Taiwan. China's attempts are aimed at confusing the international community and misleading their judgment about the internal development in Taiwan by fabricating the lies and illusion that China has conducted negotiations with Taiwan.

February 4, 2008
MAC Spokesperson Johnnason Liu announces at a press conference that, from January 28, Taiwan will relax the types of financial statement that may be attached to Taiwan residency applications by Chinese spouses. In the future, Chinese spouses may not only provide a certificate of "having a certain amount of properties for self-sufficiency or living upon reliable support," as stipulated under the original regulations, but may also provide as evidence a certificate of specialized ability, total income of cohabiting family members, or relevant real estate owned by the Taiwan spouse.

February 4, 2008
The MAC announces the "Combined Analysis Report on Public Opinion Surveys on Cross-Strait Relations in 2007." The report indicates that the Taiwanese people feel that the Beijing authorities are unfriendly to both the government and people of Taiwan. At the end of last year, the percentage of the public believing that China has a hostile attitude toward Taiwan reached a new high. The vast majority of the public believe, moreover, that China's military buildup, passage of the "anti-separation law," and other such actions are expressions of hostility toward Taiwan. The surveys indicate that, the main objective and expectation of the Taiwanese people regarding the development of cross-strait relations is to pursue peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait through exchanges and interactions.
The MAC expresses that, regarding views on the future and position of the country, the vast majority of the public agree that "Taiwan is an independent sovereign country," that "Taiwan's future should be determined by the Taiwanese people," and that "Taiwan is not a part of the People's Republic of China." The vast majority also believe that "China has no right to inquire about or interfere in Taiwan's internal affairs (such as rectification of names, constitutional reform, etc.)" Over 70% of the public support "joining the United Nations under the name of Taiwan," and the vast majority of the public are unsatisfied with China's diplomatic suppression against Taiwan and believe China should take responsibility for the deterioration in cross-strait relations because it has snatched away Taiwan's diplomatic allies.
The MAC expresses that the "one China" principle established by China as a precondition for handling cross-strait issues cannot be accepted by the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan. The public opinion survey also indicates that the public universally believe that the current asymmetrical flow of personnel and capital across the Taiwan Strait is an irregular phenomenon.

February 4, 2008
Statistics released by the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) indicate that transactions totaling an accumulated 4.56 million renminbi have been made in Kinmen and Matsu since renminbi cash transactions were allowed in those areas on a trial basis.

February 5, 2008
The MAC issues a press release welcoming the Chinese side's early release of Chen Xiang, the chief correspondent in China of Singapore's Straits Times. The MAC also states that there are still many persons in China that are under surveillance, under house arrest, secretly arrested, and judged at close trials by the Chinese authorities for reporting the news or seeking freedom of speech, like Chen. These people need the same concern from the international community.

February 6, 2008
Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council, delivers a Lunar New Year congratulatory message on Chinataiwan.org. He states that 2008 is a year of special significance for the progress of cross-strait relations. China will firmly grasp the theme of peaceful development of cross-strait relations and work unswervingly for peace in the Taiwan Strait area.
Chen says that China is the shared country of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The 1.3 billion mainland compatriots and 23 million Taiwan compatriots are a community of fate united by blood ties. China will vigorously work to promote mutual contacts and economic and cultural exchange to a new level.

February 8, 2008
Educational departments in Fujian Province prepare to begin offering special classes for Taiwanese junior high school students in the cities of Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou, and Zhangzhou. The children of Taiwanese businesspeople can attend these classes or study in other classes if they wish.

February 9, 2008
Dongshan Island of Fujian Province specially establishes a "Green Channel" for Taiwan shipping trade.

February 11, 2008
The international cruise ship "Rhapsody of the Sea" is the first one to be approved by the MAC to bring about 70 Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan via a third country. The ship stopped first at Keelung Harbor on February 11, 2008
and in Kaohsiung Harbor on February 12, 2008.

February 11, 2008
Over 2.5 million person-trips were made by passenger traveling by ship via the Kinmen-Xiamen shipping route between January 2, 2001, and February 10, 2008.

February 14, 2008
Attending the 2008 Lunar New Year gathering held for Taiwanese businesspeople's associations, President Chen Shui-bian delivers a speech stating that the Enterprise Income Tax Law and Labor Contract Law that came into force in China on January 1 this year will greatly increase the production costs of Taiwanese businesses in China. Taiwanese businesspeople must promptly make upgrading and transformation plans. This is also an ideal opportunity for them to consider increasing their investments in Taiwan to diversify their operating risk. In order to help overseas Taiwanese businesspeople return to Taiwan, the government has established a Task Force for Encouraging Overseas Taiwanese Businesspeople to Return to Taiwan for Investments. The task force serves as a single window to provide investment information, develop investment opportunities, handle applications for investment incentives, eliminate investment obstacles, and provide other services. The government sincerely invites our friends from Taiwanese business circles to reinvest in Taiwan, to increase their stakes in Taiwan, and to keep their operations, R&D, and innovative and high-level production in Taiwan so as to truly achieve the goal of "deeply cultivating Taiwan while reaching out to the world."

February 14, 2008
Attending the "Lunar New Year gathering and banquet for Taiwanese businesspeople's associations," Premier Chang Chun-hsiung delivers a speech stating that the government has instructed the Ministry of Economic Affairs to establish a Service Office for Promoting the Investment in Taiwan by Overseas Taiwanese Businesses to help Taiwanese businesspeople face the current economic dilemma. Premier Chang says that during his long tenure as the chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), he specially directed the relevant departments of the SEF to list assistance in investing back in Taiwan by overseas Taiwanese businesspeople as a focal task of the foundation, in order to strengthen services to Taiwanese businesspeople. Premier Chang indicates that related ministries and departments of the Executive Yuan have also put forth many new measures to assist enterprises in dealing with capital, land, labor and other issues of concern to our friends from Taiwanese business circles.

February 14, 2008
The Straits Exchange Foundation holds the 2008 Lunar New Year gathering for Taiwanese businesspeople's associations in China. The event is attended by about 400 people, including Taiwanese businesspeople in China, members of industry associations in the Taiwan Area and related government agencies, as well as the sponsoring and supporting organizations. President Chen Shui-bian and Premier Chang Chun-hsiung attended the gathering to celebrate the Lunar New Year holidays with the Taiwanese businesspeople.

February 15, 2008
The Xiamen People's Political Consultative Conference added five Taiwanese businesspeoples as conference members, all of whom will be official representatives at the conference.

February 18, 2008
The National Tax Administration of Northern Taiwan Province under the Ministry of Finance states that the salaries of technical personnel and management cadres dispatched by a parent company in Taiwan to overseas subsidiaries or subsidiaries in China shall be calculated under the matching principle of requiring revenues to be matched with costs and expenses, and should not be reported as expenses by the parent company in Taiwan.

February 18, 2008
The 16-day period of cross-strait Lunar New Year charter flights comes to an end on February 15. The flight points for this year's Lunar New Year charter flights were Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xiamen in China and Taipei and Kaohsiung in Taiwan. A total of six Chinese and Taiwanese airlines made 96 flights (188 sorties).

February 18, 2008
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao states that Taiwan is a part of China and fundamentally has no right or qualification at all to "recognize" Kosovo. There is only one China in the world. The government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. Taiwan is an inseparable part of the Chinese territory. This is a universal consensus among the international community.

February 19, 2008
The Center for Disease Control under the Department of Health reminds people planning to go to avian flu infected areas in China of the need to take related precaution measures.

February 19, 2008
Hubei Province promulgates the "Implementation Rules on the Taiwan Compatriot Investment Protection Law."

February 20, 2008
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong indicates during an interview that the government will do its best to relax the scope of passengers allowed to travel via the "Mini-Three-Links" route. However, it is unable to fully open such links or to open links without restrictions on personal status. The key point of expanding the "Mini-Three-Links" policy is to find ways to benefit the residents of the Kinmen and Matsu areas.

February 20, 2008
The Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs announces that in January 2008, approval was granted for 71 China-bound investment projects with a total value of US$647.466 million, a decline of 20.05 percent from the same period of 2007.

February 20, 2008
In a meeting with a delegation of retired high-ranking generals led by William Owens, former deputy chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Armed Forces, Xu Caihou, vice chairman of China's CPC Central Military Commission, expresses hope that the United States will see clearly the essence and risk of Chen Shui-bian's "Taiwan independence" stance, stop US-Taiwan official and military exchanges, stop selling weapons to Taiwan, as well as not send wrong signals to the Taiwan authorities.

February 22, 2008
In a meeting with foreign dignitaries attending the "International Forum on Human Rights in China and the 2008 Beijing Olympics," President Chen Shui-bian presents a speech stating that, Taiwan's experience in the development of democracy absolutely can provide the Chinese people with the best hope and example. The Taiwanese government and people also are willing to make the utmost effort to foster China's democratization. Only if China transforms into a truly democratic nation will there be hope for peace in the region. In addition, this would lay the groundwork for a genuine resolution to the relationship between Taiwan and China, and make world peace a real possibility.
President Chen also expresses hope that the Chinese government does not use the holding of the Olympic Games as an excuse to purge and arrest dissidents. Rather, he urges the Beijing government to take advantage of the Olympics as an opportunity to truly improve human rights and realize the Olympic spirit of peace, equality and harmony.

February 25, 2008
At the "11th Cross-Strait Union of Travel Agencies," China National Tourism Administration Deputy Director Zhang Xiqin states that in 2007 Taiwan compatriots made a total of 4,627,900 China-bound person-trips, up 4.86 percent from the same period a year before.

February 26, 2008
Attending the "United Nations (UN) for Taiwan" activity, President Chen Shui-bian delivers a speech stating that the referendum is a very important step in consolidating and deepening Taiwan's democracy. Regardless of whether the referendum on joining the UN, the referendum on returning to the UN, or both referendums pass, it is absolutely the greatest victory and achievement for the Taiwanese people and Taiwan's democracy. If split-ticket voting results in both referendums failing, it will send a very serious wrong signal to the world and lead the international community to misunderstand that the Taiwanese people do not put value on joining the UN or protecting their own basic human rights.

February 26, 2008
In a meeting with Mr. Randall Schriver and Mr. Dan Blumenthal, the co-directors of the American Enterprise Institute's Taiwan Policy Working Group, President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan's wish to participate in the World Health Organization and the United Nations (UN) naturally involves the issue of sovereignty. However, this is the health human right, political human right, and collective human right of Taiwan's 23 million people. It is impossible to talk about human rights without talking about sovereignty. Under the same principle, when talking about Taiwan's diplomatic predicament and Taiwan's international space, it is also impossible to avoid discussion of sovereignty, because sovereignty is central to diplomacy. Therefore, unless Taiwan gives up its national sovereignty or allows its national sovereignty to be dwarfed or localized, whatever specific diplomatic space Taiwan wants is just a matter of milking the bull due to China's pressure, boycott, and obstruction.

February 26, 2008
Attending the 2008 Lunar New Year Gathering for Industrial and Commercial Groups activity, President Chen Shui-bian delivers a speech stating that in order to encourage Taiwanese businesspeople to return to Taiwan, invest in Taiwan, and increase stakes in Taiwan, the government has established a Task Force for Encouraging Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen to Return to Taiwan for Investments." The task force serves as a single window to provide investment information, develop investment opportunities, handle applications for investment incentives, eliminate investment obstacles, and provide other services. Administrative departments will promptly study and discuss broader exemption programs to enable more Taiwanese businesspeople to retroactively report and register their investments in China. So long as Taiwanese businesspeople are willing to invest in Taiwan, the regulations can be more flexible on the basis of the current laws, so that within a certain amount of illegal investment, Taiwanese businesspeople intending to invest in Taiwan can be lightly handled.

February 26, 2008
During a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Chinese President Hu Jintao states that China is willing to work with the United States to carefully handle the Taiwan issue, firmly deter the risky activities of the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces, maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Asia-Pacific region, and ensure a healthy and stable development of a constructive relationship of cooperation with the United States.

February 26, 2008
In a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi states that the Chinese side appreciates the public statements made by the United States and Secretary of State Rice against the Taiwan authorities' "referendum on joining the United Nations (UN)," as well as the repeated statements on adherence to the "one China" policy, compliance with the three Sino-US Joint Communiques and opposition to "Taiwan independence." China hopes that the United States will take any necessary measures and make joint efforts with China to deter the "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities so as to maintain peace and stability across the Strait and safeguard the mutual strategic interests between the two nations.

February 27, 2008
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states during a media interview that the idea of "election charter flight services is a new issue that must be renegotiated with Beijing." If China is truly sincere, it should quickly resume negotiations on the three issues (passenger charter flights, cargo charter flights and tourism), since talks on technical issues are completed. If negotiations can be resumed quickly, Taiwanese businesspeople can take charter flights back to Taiwan to vote in elections. Chairman Chen also emphasizes that further consideration should be given to the daily life of Taiwanese businesspeople, so negotiations on the issues of passenger and cargo charter flights and the opening up of tourism in Taiwan for Chinese tourist should be promptly completed.

February 27, 2008
Huang Xiaoyan, director general of the Fujian Provincial Tourism Bureau, states that China will accelerate the development of tourism in Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu. China will also actively strive to achieve a new breakthrough in allowing residents of other provinces to visit the Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu areas so as to further increase the number of tourists visiting the Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu areas. Once Chinese residents are allowed to make tourist visits to Taiwan, China will strive to extend travel routes from Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu to Taiwan proper.

February 27, 2008
Zhangzhou City in Fujian Province introduces an education policy for the children of Taiwanese businesspeople: elementary school students will be enrolled at nearby schools; classes for Taiwanese junior high school students will be offered at five local schools; Taiwanese junior high school students will be given preferential treatment in high school admission tests; and no tuition fees or support fees will be collected.

February 27, 2008
At a press conference, the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of China's State Council announces that any Taiwan area permanent residents meeting qualifications can be issued a "Certificate of Physician Credentials" once his/her qualifications have been recognized. Specific related measures will be separately promulgated. The TAO also puts forth related policies that will make it more convenient for the children of Taiwan compatriots to study at kindergartens, elementary schools and secondary schools in China. Moreover, the TAO announces that China has newly established four business incubation parks for Taiwanese farmers in Yongfu District in Zhangping City, Fujian Province; Jinwan District in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province; Huangpo District in Wuhan City, Hubei Province; and Xishan District in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province.

February 28, 2008
The MAC states that the National Police Agency under the Ministry of the Interior, Straits Exchange Foundation, Red Cross Society of the Republic of China and other related agencies carried out a personnel repatriation handover operation with China at Fuao Port in Matsu according to the Kinmen Accord. The MAC expresses affirmation and appreciation for China's assistance in the arrest of economic criminals and criminal suspects that had fled to China from Taiwan, and in deporting them according to the Kinmen Accord.

February 28, 2008
Chinese hijacker Wang Zhihua is repatriated to China via Matsu after serving out a prison sentence in Taiwan. The MAC states that a total of 18 Chinese people were suspected of involvement in 13 hijackings of civil airplanes between 1993 and 1998. These hijackers were paroled, respectively, in 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2007, and specially repatriated to China. All of the hijackers have been repatriated to date.

February 29, 2008
The Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council announces that China will allow Taiwanese doctors to practice medicine in China. In response, MAC Spokesperson Johnnason Liu states that the flow of personnel and industries is not one-way. The best method for ensuring the rights and interests of Taiwanese professionals to work in China would be to start bilateral negotiations through the mechanism of the World Trade Organization.

February 29, 2008
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang states at a press conference that in disregard of China's representations, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives of the US Congress passed the so-called resolution on "supporting Taiwan's democratic election." The resolution violates the "one China" policy to which the US Government adheres and sends a wrong message to the Chen Shui-bian authorities. China stands firmly opposed to it. China requests that the U.S. Congress fully recognize the complexity and sensitivity of the current situation across the Taiwan Strait, as well as the secessionist nature of the Chen Shui-bian authorities, and to take measures to eliminate the negative impact of the above-mentioned resolution and stop sending any wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" forces.

February 29, 2008
Ju Weiqiang, director of the Department of Education of Fujian Province, states that China will implement education cooperation and exchange projects between Fujian and Taiwan.

March 3, 2008
In an interview on Public Television Service's Taiwanese Evening News program, President Chen Shui-bian states that democracy is Taiwan's future and destiny. Only the 23 million Taiwanese people have the right to make this decision. No country, political party, or regime can make this decision for the Taiwanese people. The referendum is a form of direct and true democracy. It is the due right and freedom of the 23 million Taiwanese people to make their voice heard to the world through the democratic process of a referendum.

March 3, 2008
Jia Qinglin, chairman of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), delivers a work report to the First Session of the 11th National Committee of the CPPCC. He states that the CPPCC National Committee has diligently carried out work related to political parties, organizations and people from all walks of life on the island of Taiwan, strengthened ties with Taiwan compatriots from all sectors of society, and promoted personnel contacts and economic and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait. The CPPCC National Committee has supported the various activities of overseas Chinese to oppose "Taiwan independence" and promote reunification, which has played a positive role in promoting the great cause of reunification of the motherland.

March 4, 2008
The MAC issues a press release reiterating that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country, its national moniker is the Republic of China (ROC), and its sovereignty rests in its 23 million people. The Taiwanese government will never accept China's unilateral proposal to define the status of cross-strait relations and to establish a political framework under the "one China" principle, nor will it accept the development of cross-strait relations in an unequal manner under such a preset framework. Taiwan urges China to immediately stop its military intimidation and international suppression aganist Taiwan and to pragmatically face up to the existence of the ROC. It also urges the Beijing authorities to resume negotiations and communication with Taiwan on various issues as soon as possible. China should not misjudge public opinion in Taiwan and the development of cross-strait situations. It also should not vainly attempt to undermine or interfere with Taiwan's democratic process. Otherwise, China will inevitably bear serious consequences resulting from its own erroneous policies and measures.

March 4, 2008
Jiang Enzhu, spokesman for the First Session of the 11th National People's Congress, states that that the so-called "referendum on joining the United Nations (UN)" promoted by the Chen Shui-bian administration is a serious step in seeking the "de jure independence" of Taiwan. China will continue to follow the guidelines of "peaceful reunification, and one country, two systems" and the eight-point proposal on developing cross-strait relations and promoting peaceful unification of the motherland in the current phase. It will never sway in adhering to the "one China" principle, never give up efforts to seek peaceful reunification, never change the principle of placing hopes on the Taiwanese people, and never compromise in opposing the "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities.

March 4, 2008
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang states at a regular press conference that China requests that the US honor its commitment to abide by the "one China" policy, the three China-US joint communiques, and oppose Taiwan independence. The US should stop selling Taiwan weapons, cut its military ties with Taiwan, refrain from sending erroneous signals to Taiwan separatist forces, and work with China to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as well as the overall interest of bilateral relations.

March 4, 2008
While attending a meeting of members of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League, and All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots during the First Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, PRC President Hu Jintao emphasizes that both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China and that China is the common homeland of compatriots on both sides of the Strait. Any issue involving China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be jointly decided by all of the Chinese people, inclusive of Taiwan compatriots. China will never allow "Taiwan independence" separatist forces to separate Taiwan from China under any name or by any means. As for the realization of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, China adheres to the "one China" principle as the foundation as well as the way in deepening exchanges and cooperation. It will continue to promote cross-strait personnel contacts and economic and cultural exchanges and the progress of direct cross-strait "Three Links." China will also continue to work toward resuming and advancing cross-strait negotiations and talks. China is willing to engage in exchanges, dialogues, negotiations and talks with any political party that recognizes that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China. The negotiation positions are equal, the issues are open, and any issue can be discussed. Through negotiations, both sides can seek ways to resolve the important political, economic, military, cultural and diplomatic issues between them and plan the future development of cross-strait relations. China looks forward to the formal end of the state of hostility across the Strait through joint efforts by both sides and negotiations based on the one China principle, and hopes to reach a peace accord and build up a framework for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations.

March 5, 2008
Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states at an Executive Yuan session that, after discussion with the relevant government agencies, the government has decided re-implement measures allowing China-based Taiwanese businesspeople that have not applied to the government for permission of their investments in China to retroactively apply for such permission so that they may invest back in Taiwan in a timely fashion. The move aims to achieve a win-win outcome for Taiwan's economy and Taiwanese businesspeople in China. The government will adopt special breakthrough methods for retroactive permit applications. Within the scope of the limits of administrative powers, and under a framework of normalized fines and retroactive permit application operations for Taiwanese businesspeople, the responsible authorities are willing to impose only symbolic fines on China-based Taiwanese businesspeople willing to return to Taiwan to retroactively apply for investment permission and to quickly, effectively, and energetically respond to the needs of Taiwanese businesspeople in China.

March 5, 2008
The MAC issues a press release indicating that the Chinese authorities' recent statements regarding Taiwan reflect not only their attempt to influence the development of Taiwan's upcoming presidential election and referendum, but also their attempt to pre-establish the framework and direction for the mode of cross-strait relations and interactions after the election. The MAC states that Taiwan's consistent position has been that both sides across the Strait should resume interactions and dialogues as soon as possible without setting any political conditions. However, China has unilaterally established political precondition of the "one China principle" and the "one country, two systems" framework for a future outcome, which has already peremptorily been included in the text of the "Anti-Separation Law" and will not be changed. Beijing's so-called negotiations based on parity are therefore just empty talks.

March 5, 2008
In participating in a panel deliberation session of the People's Liberation Army, Guo Boxiong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, states that China has the determination and the capability to respond to any major "Taiwan independence" incident.

March 5, 2008
In a Government Work Report delivered to the First Session of the 11th National People's Congress, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao states that China will adhere to the basic principle of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems" and all policies that are formulated to develop cross-strait relations and to promote China's peaceful reunification under the new situation. It will also encourage compatriots on both sides to increase contacts and common understanding, actively promote cross-strait economic and cultural exchanges, and to promote direct "Three Links." China will resume cross-strait negotiations at an early date based on the "one China" principle.

March 6, 2008
While attending the inspection tour activities entitled "United Nations (UN) for Taiwan under Gods' Protection," President Chen Shui-bian states that the common expectation of the Taiwanese people is that Taiwan will no longer be an international orphan and Taiwan wants to become a member of the United Nations and the international community. Taiwan's lack of membership in the UN prevents Taiwan from joining organizations under the United Nations. This creates many problems, including preventing Taiwan from signing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and from joining the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and World Health Organization (WHO). The life and property rights and interests of Taiwanese fishermen cannot be protected when they go out to sea; and Taiwan's world-class cultural heritage cannot be registered as human cultural heritage. The medical care and health of Taiwanese people is also seriously affected, forcing the people of Taiwan to pay the price in their life and health. Taiwan's economy is affected as well. Therefore, Taiwan wishes to join the UN not only for political reasons, but also for the rights and interests of Taiwan's fishermen, cultural topics, medical care, health and economic development.

March 7, 2008
In an interview with Ichikawa Hayami, editor-in-chief of the international edition of Japan's Asahi Shimbun, President Chen Shui-bian states that China believes that if there will be dialogues and negotiations between both sides, then Taiwan must accept Beijing's preset precondition. This is not true parity. Taiwan has proposed four principles for cross-strait dialogues and negotiations, including sovereignty, democracy, peace and parity.

March 7, 2008
In a reception with Dirk Sterckx, chairman of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with the People's Republic of China, President Chen Shui-bian states that the referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) is not a so-called referendum on "de jure Taiwan independence." Rather, the hope is that the referendum will provide a democratic means for the people of Taiwan to express their voice and hopes to the entire world regarding their desire to become part of the UN family. It also explains to the world that the UN representation rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people absolutely cannot be substituted or replaced by China. On the eve of the third anniversary of the passage of the "Anti-Separation Law," the referendum especially expresses Taiwan's opposition to China's hope to achieve its intentions of annexing Taiwan and making Taiwan become a local government or a local-level province of the People's Republic of China through intimidation or military means.

March 7, 2008
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) completed revisions to the Standards for Punishment for Illegal Investments or Technical Cooperation in Mainland Area and Review Principles for Investments or Technical Cooperation in the Mainland Area. Starting from March 10, 2008, the MOEA will begin processing applications for retroactive investment permission by China-based Taiwanese businesspeople returning to Taiwan.

March 7, 2008
The Ministry of the Interior issues the revised Permit Regulations Governing the Spouse Residency, Long-Term Residency, or Permanent Residency of the People of the Mainland Area in Taiwan. The revised Permit Regulations ease conditions on mainland spouses applying for spouse residency, long-term residency or permanent residency in Taiwan.

March 10, 2008
The Ministry of Economic Affairs issues the Review Principles for Investments or Technical Cooperation in the Mainland Area with revised stipulations in Point 3 and attached table, effective from March 10, 2008.

March 10, 2008
Vice Minister of Agriculture Wei Chaoan states in an interview that China will further expand sales of Taiwan's agricultural products in China, particularly the sale of Taiwan fruit, so that Taiwanese farmers, especially those in central and southern Taiwan, can deeply feel the strength of the preferential policies offered to Taiwan by the central government of China.

March 10, 2008
China resumes exports of natural sand and gravel to the Taiwan Area.

March 12, 2008
Premier Chang Chun-hsiung indicates at an Executive Yuan session that the government agrees to allow the overseas banking units (OBUs) and overseas branches of domestic banks to engage in factoring operations for accounts receivable produced through transactions in China. Such offices will also be allowed to extend credit to the China branch organizations of legal persons in third areas. Moreover, in order to allow greater flexibility in loan operations, the said banks will be allowed to self-manage their loan risk, without differentiating secured and unsecured loans, under the restriction that loans extended to China-based overseas branches do not exceed 30 percent of the total net asset value of the OBU or overseas branch.

March 12, 2008
During a speech at the founding ceremony for the Cross-Strait Emergency Service Center established under the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that the SEF has made considerable achievements and accumulated valuable experience in handling emergencies related to travel in China by Taiwanese people and visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists. The establishment of the Cross-Strait Emergency Service Center is an important milestone marking a major stride forward in perfecting the cross-strait emergency relief work. The center will contribute to cross-strait emergency relief work and open new opportunities for both sides to promote a normalized and systematic emergency coordination mechanism in the future.

March 12, 2008
Regarding Taiwan-bound investments by Chinese enterprises, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming states during an interview with the Chinese and foreign media that the precondition for any form of closer cooperation in economic relations between both sides is that the Taiwanese authorities should recognize one China.

March 13, 2008
In an article on "Give Democracy a Chance-Making the Extra Effort for Taiwan through the Referendum" in the Liberty Times, President Chen Shui-bian states that the upcoming referendums on joining and returning to the United Nations (UN) not only will for the first time express to the world the Taiwanese people's aspiration to join the UN and their determination and will to actively participate in the international community, but they are also referendums "against war, against aggression, and against annexation."

March 14, 2008
The MAC issues "Background Information on the Handling Measures Governing Overstaying Chinese Spouses in Taiwan," indicating that in order to guarantee the rights of cross-strait couples to engage in family reunion, the MAC and related agencies have deliberated on and completed the formulation of the handling measures governing overstaying Chinese spouses in Taiwan, which will allow them to apply for an extension of stay. The measures have been approved by the Executive Yuan, and the relevant guidelines will be promulgated once they have been formulated by the National Immigration Agency (NIA).

March 14, 2008
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong indicates that the "one law, two communiques" is a shackle enchaining the destiny of the Taiwanese People. He indicates that on March 14, 2005, the Chinese government passed the "Anti-Separation Law" (ASL) unilaterally defining the status quo of cross-strait relations. With wording such as "a legacy of the Chinese civil war," the ASL attempts to deny the reality that Taiwan and China have no jurisdiction over each other. At the same time, it stipulates the use of "non-peaceful" means as an option in resolving the Taiwan Strait issue. After passing the ASL, the Beijing authorities invited the chairmen of Taiwan's opposition parties to visit China. China has produced the "Lien-Hu Communique" and the "Soong-Hu Communique," setting up a new "one law, two communiques" framework for dealing with Taiwan in an attempt to achieve the ultimate strategic goal of gradually unifying Taiwan.

March 14, 2008
A political resolution adopted by the First Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) indicates that all of the political party organizations and persons of various ethnicity and walks of life attending the CPPCC are firmly resolved to safeguard the basic principle of "peaceful unification and one country, two systems," as well as the eight-point proposal on developing relations between both sides of the Taiwan Strait and promoting China's peaceful reunification under the new situation. They also firmly support the four-point proposal on developing cross-strait relations under the new situation, to firmly grasp the theme of peaceful development of cross-strait relations, to firmly oppose and deter "Taiwan independence "separatist activities, to work for the welfare of compatriots on both sides, and for peace in the Taiwan Strait region. China will continue promoting cross-strait personnel contacts and economic and cultural exchanges and direct cross-strait "Three Links," and make continued efforts to resume and conduct cross-strait negotiations. China will broadly unify its overseas sons and daughters to create a new era for peaceful development of cross-strait relations and to contribute their strength to the promotion of the grand revival of the Chinese nation.

March 15, 2008
The MAC represents the government of the Republic of China in strongly denouncing China's military suppression of protest activities in Tibet. The MAC indicates that China's use of the military, police and tanks to deal with the peaceful demonstrations by the Tibetan people has resulted in serious conflicts, death and serious injury. The action again demonstrates China's abominable human rights record. Beijing's peremptory hard-line actions only enable the Taiwanese people to truly and clearly understand that the autocratic regime in Beijing absolutely will not use "peaceful" means to handle the cross-strait issue.

March 18, 2008
Responding to the statement made by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on China's opposition to the referendum on Taiwan's membership in the United Nations (UN), President Chen Shui-bian states that Taiwan is not a part of China, nor is it a province of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The PRC and Taiwan are countries independent of each other and they have no jurisdiction over each other. This is a fact and the status quo. The PRC has never governed Taiwan for even one day. The status quo in the Taiwan Strait is that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country and is not a part of China.

March 18, 2008
The MAC issues a press release indicating that the Republic of China is a democratic, free, and independent state. Its sovereignty resides in Taiwan's 23 million people, and only the 23 million people of Taiwan have right to decide Taiwan's future. The People's Republic of China has never exercised sovereignty over Taiwan, and naturally the Chinese government has no right to interfere with or determine Taiwan's political status. The 1.3 billion people of China also have no right to jointly decide Taiwan's future and destiny. The MAC also reiterates that the government is willing to hold negotiations with China based on parity on issues of mutual concern after the presidential election. However, the government cannot accept the "one China" precondition unilaterally preset by Beijing. This has always been the firm position of Taiwan. The government hopes that the Beijing authorities will completely remove their "one China" framework and promptly resume the currently stalled negotiations on various issues.

March 18, 2008
During a press conference at the closing of the First Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao states that China opposes Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations (UN) because if this position were allowed to succeed, it would change the status quo in which Taiwan and China both belong to one China, and this would have an impact on cross-strait relations. He also emphasizes that China hopes to resume cross-strait peace negotiations at an early date under the "one China" precondition. All issues can be discussed, including important issues such as ending the state of hostility between both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

March 19, 2008
Premier Chang Chun-hsiung states at an Executive Yuan session that the government will normalize the special "Mini-Three-Links" project for Taiwanese businesspeople returning to Taiwan for the Lunar New Year holiday. In the future, the responsible persons and employees of Taiwanese-invested enterprises in China, as well as their spouse and lineal relatives, will be able to travel across the Taiwan Strait via the "Mini-Three-Links" so long as they have certificates issued by the Taiwanese Businesspeople's Associations. Premier Chang also states that the Executive Yuan has approved a trial reciprocal travel program related to the "Mini Three-Links." The program's initial target is to allow the current daily quota of 680 Chinese tourists to visit Kinmen and Matsu. An equal number of people from the Taiwan Area will also be allowed to make tourism visits to China after stopping over in Kinmen or Matsu. The quota will be gradually expanded if good results have been produced in implementing the program.

March 20, 2008
In a reception with foreign observers of Taiwan's presidential election, President Chen Shui-bian delivers a speech stating that greatest bottleneck in cross-strait relations is that China is unable to acknowledge the fact that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country. Beijing has repeatedly declared at the United Nations (UN) and other international venues that Taiwan is a part or a province of the People's Republic of China. It has also claimed to represent the 23 million Taiwanese people in the UN, intentionally misguided the international community, and misinterpreted UN Resolution No. 2758. Such statements are unacceptable to the 23 million Taiwanese people irrespective of political party or color; and they are inconsistent with the facts. The US, Japan, European Union and numerous other democratic countries have also expressed that such statements are unacceptable.

March 20, 2008
In a reception with members of an election observation mission of the US Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), President Chen Shui-bian states that the signing of a cross-strait peace accord promoted by the Chinese leadership comes with the condition that Taiwan accept the "one China" principle. Under such circumstances, the signing of the accord of this kind would absolutely be like "seeking a hare in a hen's nest." In view of China's recent bloody crackdown on innocent Tibetan people, President Chen is convinced that even more Taiwanese people are increasingly unwilling to believe that the signing of a so-called peace accord with China will truly bring permanent peace in the Taiwan Strait.

March 20, 2008
While attending a press conference held by the Government Information Office of the Executive Yuan for international media visiting Taiwan to observe the presidential election, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that in view of the Tibet incident, China will not abandon the use of military force to resolve disputes just because it is hosting the Olympic Games and its economy is on the rise. The international community should face up to China's non-peaceful rise and large-scale military build-up and specifically demand that China stop using military force, so as to protect and uphold human rights, freedom and regional peace and security.

March 20, 2008
The Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs announces that in January and February 2008, approval was granted for 117 China-bound investments with a combined value of US$1,152,344,000, down 25.00 percent and 5.51 percent, respectively, from the same period of 2007.

March 21, 2008
In an interview with Russia's Interfax news agency, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi states that China hopes that the US and Japan will practically carry out their promises of not supporting "Taiwan independence" or Taiwan's referendum on joining the United Nations (UN). The Taiwan issue pertains to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Addressing the Taiwan issue based on the "one China" policy is pivotal to the healthy and stable development of Sino-US ties. Moreover, addressing Taiwan-related issues in strict abidance with the principles and related pledges of the three political documents of the Sino-Japanese Joint Declaration is one of the most fundamental conditions for the smooth development of Sino-Japanese relations.

March 22, 2008
The Information Industry Department of Fujian Province states that Fujian will fully utilize Taiwan's industrial resources and actively seek the transfer of Taiwan's information industry, focusing on the promotion of linkages with the optoelectronics industry.

March 23, 2008
Li Weiyi, spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council, states that the Chen Shui-bian authorities' promotion of the so-called referendum on joining the United Nations under the name of Taiwan has failed. This once again shows that the "Taiwan independence" activities conducted by the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces do not enjoy popular support.

March 24, 2008
Responding to the statements made by US President George Bush regarding the outcome of the presidential election in Taiwan, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang states that there is only "one China" in the world, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of the Chinese territory. China hopes that the US will scrupulously abide by its reiterated pledge to adhere to "one China" policy, abide by the three Sino-US joint communiques, oppose "Taiwan independence," and oppose Taiwan's membership in the United Nations (UN) and any other international organization that only sovereign countries can join.

March 25, 2008
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang states at a press conference that the "one China" principle is the political foundation for China to establish and develop relations with other countries and international organizations. Based on this principle, China will continue to develop relations and conduct exchanges and cooperation with all other countries and international organizations. China will take various measures to facilitate the overseas activities of Taiwan compatriots in the fields of economy, trade, health and culture, and to protect their legitimate rights and interests overseas.

March 26, 2008
In a telephone conversation with US President George Bush, Chinese President Hu Jintao states that China's consistent position has been to resume cross-strait negotiations and talks based on the "1992 Consensus." China hopes that both sides of the Strait can jointly work to create the conditions, on the basis of the "one China" principle, for negotiations to formally end the state of hostility across the Taiwan Strait, to reach a peace accord, to establish a framework for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and to create a new era for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations.

March 27, 2008
The MAC issues a press release thanking the US, Japan, the UK, Germany, Canada, European Union, and the rest of the international community for their positive affirmation and support of the democratic achievements of Taiwan's election and their expectations for the benign development of cross-strait relations. The MAC appeals to the Chinese government to face up to Taiwan's democratic system, recognize the fact of the existence of the Republic of China and, under the principles of "parity, dignity, mutual benefit" and based on the existing negotiations, eliminate the barriers of unilaterally-established political preconditions, remove the missiles deployed against Taiwan, stop suppressing Taiwan's international survival space, and actively and pragmatically join with Taiwan in establishing a cross-strait platform for substantive dialogues and exchanges, and thereby create an opportunity for benign cross-strait interactions.

March 28, 2008
During a meeting with American Institute in Taiwan Chairman Raymond F. Burghardt, President Chen Shui-bian states that "1992 Consensus" does not exist. Beijing not only opposes "one China, one Taiwan," it also opposes a "two Chinas" policy. Beijing does not respect that Taiwan or the Republic of China is a sovereign country, nor does it agree that "one China" refers to the "Republic of China."

March 28, 2008
The MAC releases the results of its latest public opinion survey, showing that 68.7 percent of the public believe cross-strait relations will become more relaxed over the coming year, while only 5.5 percent of the public believe that relations will become tenser. Over 90 percent (91.1%) of the public also advocate maintaining the status quo defined in a broader sense; and 81.7 percent of the public are opposed to China's stance on developing cross-strait relations under the "one country, two systems" formula.

March 30, 2008
During a visit to Laos, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao states that both sides of the Taiwan Strait should promptly implement the "Three Links" to strengthen economic, trade and cultural exchanges; and they should resume negotiations and talks based on the "1992 Consensus." Any issue can be discussed, including the issue of implementing the "Three Links" to strengthen economic, trade and cultural exchanges, ending the state of hostility between both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and concluding a peace agreement.

April 1, 2008
April 1, 2008
The National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior announces the "Notification on Submitting Documentation Certified by the Taiwanese Businesspeople's Association when Taiwanese Businesspeople with Mainland-bound Investments and their Families Apply to Enter and Exit the Mainland Area from the Trial Transportation Areas."

April 1, 2008
During a meeting with U.S. Marine Corps Commandant James Conway, China's Minister of Defense Liang Guanglie expresses hope that the US will continue to strictly adhere to the "one China" policy, abide by the three China-US joint communiques, and pledge to oppose "Taiwan independence," stop the sale of weapons to Taiwan and US-Taiwan military contact, and join China in upholding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

April 1, 2008
China's State Council issues the "Major Tasks of the State Council for 2008." The major tasks include encouraging compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to strengthen contacts, advance consensus, actively promote cross-strait economic and cultural exchanges, and promote direct "Three Links"; and seeking to promptly resume cross-strait negotiations and talks under the "one China" principle so as to resolve major issues of concern to compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

April 2, 2008
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that a currency-clearing agreement must be signed before renminbi (RMB) can be fully convertable in Taiwan. Since this issue involves political factors, there is a higher degree of difficulty in dealing with it. However, the ROC side has made preparations. As long as China decides to open up tourism visits to Taiwan and the two sides sign related agreements, measures to make RMB partially convertable can be implemented after amendments to Article 38 of the Act Governing Relations Between People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area have been completed.

April 2, 2008
Mainland China's 11th National People's Congress Standing Committee of Fujian Province includes the "Statute on Promotion of Agricultural Cooperation between Fujian and Taiwan" in this year's Legislative Plan.

April 3, 2008
The Executive Yuan announces revisions to some stipulations under the "Regulations Governing the Trial Operation of Transportation Links Between Kinmen/Matsu and the Mainland Area," effective from April 1, 2008.

April 3, 2008
Cao Qingyao, spokesperson of mainland China's State Forestry Administration, states at a press conference that China has not changed its pledge to send a pair of giant pandas to Taiwan.

April 3, 2008
During a media interview, Li Weiyi, spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council, states that promoting the early realization of cross-strait direct transportation links and allowing mainland Chinese residents to visit Taiwan have been the consistent positions of China. China is willing to actively promote communication and negotiations on cross-strait financial cooperation issues between financial organizations on both sides.

April 4, 2008
At a press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu states that according to the agreement originally reached through the negotiation agencies respectively authorized by both sides across the Strait, only four types of cross-strait charter flight are allowed: holiday charter flights, cargo charter flights, medical charter flights and humanitarian charter flights. Weekend charter flights are not included among these four types of specialized charter flights. Moreover, the original agreement clearly stipulates that any future adjustments must be handled through negotiations.

April 6, 2008
MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that differences between the Chinese and English versions of recent statements by Xinhua News Agency on the "1992 Consensus" indicate that Beijing's "one China" policy is interpretated differently on the domestic and international fronts. China needs to formally recognize on international ocassions the statement of "one China, with each side having its own interpretation," and truly face up to the existence of the Republic of China before the cross-strait political impasse can be resolved.

April 7, 2008
At a MAC Council Meeting, the MAC issues a report on the handling of matters related to the revision and implementation of the "Program for Planning Expansion of the 'Mini Three-Links'." In the report, the MAC indicates that all of the measures related to the said program have been arranged and were implemented on April 1 this year. The results of the program will be reviewed at a suitable time after a certain period of implementation.

April 7, 2008
The Seventh Overseas Presidents' Meeting of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification convenes in Zhengzhou, Henan. The meeting issues a joint declaration on "Mastering Themes, Seizing Opportunities, and Jointly Promoting the Peaceful Development of Cross-strait Relations.

April 8, 2008
The National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior announces that, "Mainland spouses overstaying their period of residency may retroactively apply in person at a county or city service center of the National Immigration Agency to extend their residency period in accordance with these guidelines, if the reason for their residency continues to exist and their marriage is genuine."

April 8, 2008
The 12th China Xiamen Machinery and Electronics Exhibition (CXMEE) opens at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center. This is the first CXMEE to have a Taiwan pavilion exclusively for the display of Taiwan machinery and electronic products.

April 8, 2008
Mainland China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu states at regular press conference that Vincent Siew will attend the Boao Forum for Asia in the capacity of chairman of the Taiwan-based Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation.

April 9, 2008
The 2008 cross-strait Tomb Sweeping Festival charter flights are implemented from April 2 to 8. Eleven airlines on both sides provide a total of 21 two-way flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen and Taipei, and Kaohsiung.

April 10, 2008
Presiding at a high-level national security conference, President Chen Shui-bian emphasizes, in regards to the promotion of Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization (WHO), that the 23 million Taiwanese people should not be deprived of their basic life and health human rights. The Taiwanese people have the right to seek equal status in participating in WHO-related mechanisms, conferences and activities. Obtaining WHO membership is the desire of all the people of Taiwan and it is an objective supported by both the ruling and opposition parties. The government cannot abandon this goal lightly. However, prior to gaining entry into the WHO, the government will make every effort to obtain observer status for Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA).

April 10, 2008
A spokesperson for the China Banking Regulatory Commission states that the commission will actively handle applications for the legal person entities established in third regions by Taiwan area banks, which plan to conduct business in mainland China. It will regard such entities completely as legal persons from the third region.

April 12, 2008
Regarding the meeting between vice-president-elect Mr. Vincent Siew and Chinese President Hu Jintao, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong indicates that in the future cross-strait negotiations and interactions should proceed without setting preconditions. This is the only way to uphold the Taiwan's hard-won democratic achievement, the due sovereign dignity of the country, and the welfare of Taiwan's 23 million people, and thereby achieve mutual benefit and a win-win outcome for both sides. In the future, negotiations on and the promotion of various issues should be concretely carried out on the existing basis of government planning and assessment. No person on either side should preclude the involvement of government authority and privately engage in negotiations.

April 12, 2008
During a meeting with vice president elect Mr. Vincent Siew at the Boao Forum for Asia, Chinese President Hu Jintao states that China will continue promoting cross-strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation and push forward negotiations on weekend charter flights and mainland Chinese tourists' travel to Taiwan. He also says the mainland remains committed to the promotion of the welfare of Taiwan compatriots and protection of their legitimate rights and interests, and it will continue working to resume cross-strait negotiations and talks. Mr. Siew advocates that the two sides should "face reality, pioneer a new future, shelve controversies and pursue a win-win situation." Hu and Siew both agree that cross-strait negotiations should be promptly resumed.

April 13, 2008
While attending the Fifth Alumnus Assembly of the Ketagalan Institute, President Chen Shui-bian states that cross-strait dialogues and negotiations must adhere to the four major principles of "sovereignty, democracy, peace and parity" in order to accord with the interests of the Taiwanese people. However, China has held to a five-pronged strategy of "dwarfing Taiwan, localizing Taiwan, marginalizing Taiwan, stripping the sovereignty of Taiwan, and degovernmentalizing Taiwan." In view of this, the Boao Forum and Hu-Siew Meeting are worthy of attention.

April 13, 2008
Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation Chairman Vincent Siew and China's Minister of Commerce Chen Deming jointly preside at a roundtable meeting on "Taiwan's Economy and Cross-strait Economic and Trade Prospects" during the 2008 Boao Forum for Asia. They exchange impressions about the status quo of cross-strait economic and trade relations and raise suggestions for improving such relations.

April 14, 2008
MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates during a press conference that restrictions on the investment of Chinese capital in the Taiwan Area have not yet been lifted. There are currently still "dual barriers." The first barrier is that the mainland Chinese side still prohibits mainland Chinese companies from investing in Taiwan. The second barrier is that restrictions on investments with mainland Chinese capital have not been fully lifted under Taiwan's current laws and regulations.

April 15, 2008
During a review of the Marine Corps, President Chen Shui-bian states that China has never relinquished its ambition to militarily attack and annex Taiwan. Over the past 19 years, Beijing has increased military spending at a rapid double-digit annual pace. The military balance across the Taiwan Strait not only has tilted in China's favor, but Beijing's rapid military expansion exceeds China's self-defense needs. China is advancing toward a position of regional military hegemony. President Chen also indicates that he welcomes and supports any actions conducive to peace, security and stability in the Taiwan Strait. However, he also firmly believes that a strong self-defense capability, and not relying on the unilateral goodwill of an enemy, is the only shield and foundation for defending and ensuring lasting peace in the Taiwan Strait.

April 16, 2008
The Center for Disease Control under the Department of Health provides an overview of contagious diseases in China for the months of February and March and reminds Taiwan tourists planning to visit China to be on high alert.

April 16, 2008
The Ministry of the Interior announces revisions to some stipulations under the "Permit Regulations Governing the Entry of Mainland Area People into the Taiwan Area."

April 16, 2008
During a press conference at the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, Ding Lu, director of the National Judicial Examination Center under China's Ministry of Justice, announces that from 2008, Taiwan residents can sit for judicial exams in the mainland. Also during the press conference, Li Weiyi, spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, states that cross-strait negotiations and talks should be resumed on the basis of the "1992 Consensus." The negotiation status of the two sides is equal, the negotiation issues are open, and any issue can be discussed.

April 17, 2008
In a reception with foreign dignitaries in Taiwan to participate in the International Conference on Taiwan's Sovereign Status, President Chen Shui-bian states that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan and China, or the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China, are two sovereign, independent countries, with neither side exercising jurisdiction over the other. The two sides of the Strait are by no means part of "one divided China, currently under different jurisdictions." In working to normalize cross-strait relations, it is necessary to insist on the four principles of sovereignty, democracy, peace, and parity. We can put aside disputes over sovereignty, but cannot denegrate ourselves to the point of effectively putting aside and giving up our sovereignty.

April 18, 2008
Director Chang Liang-jen of the MAC Department of Planning states during an interview states that Beijing has used various tactics to polarize Taiwan and reduce consciousness of enemy movements on military, diplomatic, economic and cultural psychological levels. The ROC side cannot ignore the influence of China's psychological warfare on diversifying and creating differences among the people. The purpose of the "anti three warfares" is to strengthen all-out defense consciousness, to take countermeasures against the motivation behind mainland China's various strategies, to make the people clearly aware of China's plans, and to establish a firm psychological line of defense.

April 18, 2008
The Government Information Office under the Executive Yuan announces the "Notification on the Review of Application Submissions and Application Forms for the Broadcasting of Hong Kong and Macao Channel Programs in the Taiwan Area" and "Notification on the Review of Application Submissions and Application Forms for the Broadcasting of Hong Kong and Macao Television Programs in the Taiwan Area," as well as the revised "Notification on the Review of Application Submissions and Application Forms for the Broadcasting of Mainland Area Television Programs in the Taiwan Area," effective immediately.

April 18, 2008
The Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs indicates in a press release that, in March 2008, Taiwan approved 67 China-bound investment projects with a total value of US$832,102,000.

April 19, 2008
The General Administration of Customs, Ministry of Commerce and other related agencies in China are considering a second group of points for small-volume trade items with Taiwan and the scope of trial ports for the implementation of more open management measures.

April 22, 2008
During a press conference, MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu indicates that, since the promulgation of Some Provisions of the Supreme People's Court of China Concerning the Mail Delivery of Civil Litigation Documents Involving Taiwan, the rights and interests of Taiwan litigants are not protected. Moreover, China's method, which is different from the method by which Taiwan handles litigation documents involving other countries through diplomatic systems, is tantamount to effectively "internalizing Taiwan."

April 22, 2008
The Supreme People's Court of China promulgates the recently approved legal interpretation on "Some Provisions of the Supreme People's Court Concerning the Mail Delivery of Civil Litigation Documents Involving Taiwan." According to the Provisions, the court will adopt the following methods for sending civil litigation documents to interested parties with domiciles in the Taiwan Area:

1. Where the addressee resides in the mainland, documents may be sent directly.
2. Where the addressee has an attorney in the mainland, documents may be sent to the attorney. 3. Where the addressee has a designated receiving agent, documents may be sent to the receiving agent.
3. Where the addressee has a representative office, branch office or business agent in the mainland, documents may be sent to the representative office or the branch office or business agent clearly authorized by the addressee to receive them.
4. Where the addressee has a definite address in the Taiwan Area, documents may be sent by posted mail.
5. Where the addressee has a definite facsimile number or email address, documents may be sent to the addressee by facsimile or email.
6. Documents may be sent as well by other channels as approved by the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. If documents cannot be sent through the above-mentioned means, or the whereabouts of an interested party in the Taiwan Area is unknown, the documents may be delivered by public announcement.

April 24, 2008
During the 2008 Anhui-Taiwan Economic Development Symposium held in Chaohu City, Anhui Province, Li Yafei, secretary-general of the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council, states that, since the opening of cross-strait economic and trade exchanges, Taiwan's trade surplus with China had accumulated to US$476.3 billion as of the end of 2007.

April 29, 2008
In a meeting with Lien Chan, honorary chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT), Chinese President Hu Jintao calls for resuming cross-strait negotiations on the basis of the "1992 Consensus." So long as the two sides adhere to the principles of building mutual trust, laying aside disputes, seeking consensus and shelving differences, and creating a win-win situation, a way can be found to resolve issues.

April 30, 2008
At a press conference, Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Li Weiyi states that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait hope to promptly resume cross-strait negotiations and talks, especially negotiations on realizing cross-strait weekend charter flights and allowing mainland Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan for sightseeing. China also hopes, on the basis of the "1992 Consensus," to promptly resume the institutionalized negotiation and talk mechanism that has been established at the Koo-Wang meeting for interactions between the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) and the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF).

May 1, 2008
May 1, 2008 The Xiamen customs authority in China states that Xiamen has become the biggest distribution site for tariff-free Taiwanese fruit. The city accounts for over half of the tariff-free fruit and aquatic products imported to the mainland from Taiwan.

May 2, 2008
The National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior revises the "Regulations Governing the Employment and Management of Mainland Spouses During Their Spouse Residency in Taiwan."

May 3, 2008
The People's Bank of China announces that it will expand the number of trial points for renminbi-NT dollar conversion in Fujian Province.

May 4, 2008
The Liberty Times reports that the ASEAN Plus Three Summit held a finance ministers' meeting in Madrid. The association resolved to establish a US$80 billion "crisis fund" to respond to possible regional financial crises. However, under the direction of mainland China, Taiwan is once again excluded.

May 6, 2008
The National Tax Administration of Northern Taiwan Province under the Ministry of Finance announces that when a person of the Taiwan Area passes away in the Mainland Area, their family should declare the estate within six months after the day of obtaining the death certificate verified by the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF).

May 6, 2008
Mainland China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang states at a regular press conference that there is only "one China" in the world. The mainland and Taiwan both belong to one China. Mainland China opposes the Taiwan authorities' international promotion of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" and use of "money diplomacy." It hopes that "one China" will become a principle universally recognized and scrupulously abided by in the international community.

May 6, 2008
Gao Qiang, Party secretary and minister of China's Ministry of Health, states at the opening ceremony of the Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital that China welcomes Taiwan medical personnel to go to the mainland to participate in the development of the mainland's medical and health sector.

May 7, 2008
The Center for Disease Control under the Department of Health says it welcomes and expects that Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China can closely cooperate to jointly fight the enterovirus EV71.

May 7, 2008
The responsible person at China's Supreme People's Court state that the "one China" principle will be strictly abided by in Taiwan-related trial work involving cross-strait relations.

May 8, 2008
The United Daily News reports that since mainland China has demanded that Taiwan not participate in the fifth Seoul International Book Fair under the name of "Taiwan," the Taipei Book Fair Foundation has formally announced that it will withdraw from participation in the fair. This is the first time that Taiwan has been pressured by mainland China at an international fair since the activation of publishing exchanges between the two sides began 20 years ago. The move could have an impact on the Frankfurt International Book Fair next year since mainland China will be the theme country.

May 13, 2008
President Chen Shui-bian expresses concern over the earthquake disaster in the Wenzhou area of Sichuan, China. He also states that, as a part of the international community, Taiwan is willing to actively take part in the rescue and reconstruction effort along with the international community based on the spirit that "we are all in the same boat."

May 13, 2008
During a briefing on the planning and coordination of assistance related to the Sichuan earthquake, MAC Chairman Chen Ming-tong states that the MAC is actively furthering its understanding of the situation regarding Taiwanese businesspeople in Sichuan. The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) has also mobilized the Taiwanese Businessmen's Association, Travel Agent Association of the R.O.C., Taiwan and other organizations to provide further assistance and relief. The ROC side further informs the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) that it is willing to encourage Taiwan's search and rescue personnel to go to Sichuan to provide assistance. If mainland China agrees, the ROC 's search and rescue team can travel to Sichuan via direct charter flights to assist the disaster victims.

May 13, 2008
During a press conference, Premier Chang Chun-hsiung expresses humanitarian concern over the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Sichuan Province in China. Premier Chang also indicates that he has instructed the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) to contact the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) to inform the latter of Taiwan's willingness to assist with disaster relief and to convey Taiwan's deep concern and sympathy. Premier Chang says he is also very concerned about the safety of Taiwanese businessmen, students, and tourists in the Mainland and has instructed related units to keep a close eye on matters related to the disaster and do everything in their power to safeguard the people's lives and property.

May 13, 2008
Sichuan Province in China is struck by a major earthquake on the afternoon of May 12. That evening, the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) sends a letter to the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) expressing condolences to the disaster victims.

May 13, 2008
The Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) sends a reply letter to the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) in Taiwan expressing sincere thanks to the SEF for its May 12 letter conveying sympathy to the victims of the Sichuan earthquake disaster.

May 13, 2008
Vice Chairman Hector Yeh of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland (ATIEM) states to reporters in Shanghai that, on behalf of mainland-based Taiwanese businesses, the ATIEM will donate an initial amount of RMB5 million for relief work related to the Sichuan earthquake disaster.

May 14, 2008
Premier Chang Chun-hsiung announces that the Taiwan government will provide NT$2 billion package in two phases for disaster relief in Sichuan, China.

May 14, 2008
The Department of Health under the Executive Yuan states that it has prepared emergency medical aid supplies and medical and epidemic prevention personnel are geared up and ready to depart for Sichuan to assist with relief work as soon as the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) gives the green light.

May 14, 2008
The MAC opens a "Sichuan Earthquake Relief Donation Account" at the business department at the head office of the Bank of Taiwan to raise funds for disaster relief and reconstruction work in China.

May 14, 2008
China's Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Yang Yi states that in view of new developments in Taiwan, China hopes that through joint efforts the two sides can "build mutual trust, lay aside disputes, seek consensus and shelve differences, and jointly create a win-win situation." The two sides need to work together to create new prospects for peaceful development in cross-strait relations and implement weekend charter flights and the visits to Taiwan by Mainland residents. Mainland China also hopes that results can be achieved through cooperation between the two sides in the energy field, including in oil and gas exploration.

May 15, 2008
The National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior revises the "Permit Regulations Governing the Entry of Mainland People into Taiwan Area."

May 15, 2008
During a press interview, Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council, states that China agrees to allow the Red Cross Society of the ROC to send a search team to participate in the Sichuan earthquake rescue effort.

May 15, 2008
The Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) sends a letter to Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) expressing sincere thanks to the Red Cross Society of the ROC for sending search and rescue personnel to the Sichuan earthquake disaster area and to various circles in Taiwan for their generous donation of money and supplies to support relief work in the disaster area.

May 15, 2008
The Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Ningde Municipal Party Committee states that Matsu County Magistrate Chen Hsueh-sheng and Speaker Chen Chen-ching led an inspection delegation to Ningde and jointly discussed the opening of air routes between Ningde and Taiwan.

May 17, 2008
Taiwan Affairs Office Deputy Director Zheng Lizhong states that various sectors of Taiwan society have donated RMB600 million to the Sichuan earthquake disaster area.

May 17, 2008
At the "Seminar and Introduction Meeting on Taiwan-funded Enterprise Transformation, Upgrading and Industrial Transfer" in Nanchang, Taiwan Affairs Office Deputy Director Zheng Lizhong announces "Nine Specific Measures to Support and Aid Taiwan-funded Enterprises with Transformation, Upgrading and Industrial Transfer." The measures include establishing a service mechanism to help Taiwan-funded enterprises with industrial upgrading; creating a patent trading platform for Taiwan-funded enterprises and scientific research institutes; coordinating mainland financial institutions to strengthen financial services for Taiwan-funded enterprises; providing service to help Taiwan-funded enterprises introduce professional talent; and deepening cross-strait industrial cooperation.

May 17, 2008
Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, announces that the CPC Central Committee and CPC Central Committee General Secretary Hu Jintao welcome and invite Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung to lead a KMT mission to visit the mainland.

May 17, 2008
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang states that, according to the Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Health Assembly (WHA) "Rules of Procedure," Taiwan is not qualified to join the WHO or participate in the WHA as an observer.

May 18, 2008
The 10th Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade is held at the China (Fuzhou) Exhibition Center. Nearly 10,000 local and overseas merchants from 31 countries and areas participate in the fair.

May 18, 2008
The 10th Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade opens today at the China (Fuzhou) Exhibition Center. Nearly 10,000 local and overseas businessmen from 31countries and areas attend, including participants from 21 Taiwanese cities.

May 19, 2008
The National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior issues a press release informing due to the major earthquake in Sichuan Province, it would process exit extensions for Sichuan residents in Taiwan.

May 20, 2008
The 12th-term president of the Republic of China Ma Ying-jeou delivers an address on the theme of "Taiwan's Renaissance" at his inaugural ceremony. In the address, President Ma calls upon the two sides to pursue reconciliation and truce in both cross-strait and international arenas. The two sides should help and respect each other in international organizations and activities. In light of their common Chinese heritage, people on both sides should do their utmost to jointly contribute to the international community without engaging in vicious competition and the waste of resources. Moreover, dignity, autonomy, pragmatism and flexibility should be Taiwan's guiding principles when developing foreign relations and seeking international space.

May 20, 2008
The Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs issues statistics indicating that in April 2008, it approved 73 mainland China-bound investments with a total investment value of US$961,812,000. In January to April 2008, approval was granted for 257 China-bound investments with a combined value of US$2,946,258,000, a decrease of 20% and increase of 11.84%, respectively, from the same period of 2007.

May 20, 2008
China's Civil Aviation Administration grants approval for Taiwan's Mandarin Airlines and China Airlines to apply to arrange special cargo charter flights from Taipei to Chengdu to deliver disaster relief supplies.

May 21, 2008
At an international media press conference, President Ma Ying-jeou states that party-to-party contact can serve as a second track in cross-strait relations. Naturally, this track should not conflict with the current track (the Straits Exchange Foundation and Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait). At the same time, the government will implement the policy of "no unification, no independence, and no use of force." "No unification" means that, during his term of office, the President will not engage with the Chinese mainland in talks over the issue of unification of Taiwan and the mainland. Secondly, "no independence" means that the President will not support the promotion of de jure Taiwan independence. "No use of force" needs no explanation. The President says he will maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait under the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of China. We maintain the status quo, so the status remains the same.

May 21, 2008
MAC Chairperson Lai Shin-yuan states at the Legislative Yuan that her understanding is that the 1992 Consensus is "one China, respective interpretations" and "one China, respective interpretations" is the 1992 Consensus. She also hopes that Article 38 of the Act Governing Relations Between People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area can be promptly revised, so that renminbi-NT dollar conversion can be implemented in time for the July launch of mainland tourist visits to Taiwan and the cross-strait weekend charter flights policy.

May 21, 2008
The latest statistics from the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao Affairs under mainland China's Ministry of Commerce show that from January to April 2008, the value of indirect cross-strait trade reached US$43.91 billion, an increase of 21.7% from the same period last year. Mainland exports to Taiwan amounted to US$8.17 billion, an increase of 16.9% from the same period last year; and mainland imports from Taiwan amounted to US$35.74 billion, an increase of 22.8% from the same period last year.

May 22, 2008
Speaking at a tea reception for the local media, President Ma Ying-jeou says he welcomes mainland investment in Taiwan, though the type of investment welcomed is naturally so-called "green-field investment" and not stock market or short-term speculation, including investment in real estate and the i-Taiwan 12 Projects.

May 22, 2008
Regarding China's formal response to the content of President Ma Ying-jeou's inaugural address, the MAC issues a press release indicating that the two sides should continue to adhere to the principle of "shelving controversies and pursuing a win-win situation," promote early resumption of institutionalized negotiations between the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS), and jointly turn a new page in cross-strait peace and co-prosperity.

May 22, 2008
Chen Yunlin, director of mainland China's Central Office for Taiwan Affairs, issues a statement on issues of current cross-strait relations. He expresses hope that the two sides can build mutual trust, lay aside disputes, seek consensus and shelve differences, and jointly create a win-win situation, and firmly promote constant improvement and development in cross-strait relations. Currently, the two sides are making positive efforts and engaging in related preparations to resume negotiations on the basis of the "1992 Consensus."

May 23, 2008
During a meeting with foreign correspondents stationed in Taiwan, MAC Chairperson Lai Shin-yuan indicates that the ROC side would welcome Taiwan Affairs Office Director Chen Yunlin to visit Taiwan if he is willing. She also states that the issues of weekend charter flights and mainland tourist visits to Taiwan would be given priority in negotiations when talks between the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait(ARATS) resume. As for other issues, a decision will be made based on the situation after SEF-ARATS talks restart. The site for resuming talks will not be a problem so long as the two sides are in agreement. As for the possibility of Xinhua News Agency and People's Daily basing correspondents in Taiwan, the MAC is not opposed to this in principle.

May 24, 2008
During a tea reception with Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung and other members of a delegation visiting mainland China, President Ma Ying-jeou states that in the future, the official communication channel between the ROC and the Mainland side lies in the negotiations conducted between the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) under the MAC's authorization. This channel is established by a private organization authorized by the government. The platform between Kuomintang (KMT) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) was established three years ago, which is the second channel and it can supplement efforts through the first channel in promoting cross-strait policy. The government welcomes and supports this kind of development.

May 26, 2008
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) completes its personnel reshuffle. Chiang Pin-kung is appointed as SEF Chairman and Kao Koong-lian is concurrently appointed as vice chairman and secretary-general. Chiang states that the SEF has been authorized by the government to begin negotiations with the Beijing-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) as soon as possible on issues related to opening-up policies.

May 26, 2008
The MAC formally authorizes the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) to hold negotiations with China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) on the three issues of weekend passenger and cargo charter flights and mainland tourist visits to Taiwan.

May 26, 2008
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) sends a fax informing the ARATS of the personnel reshuffle at the SEF and indicating that "the SEF has been authorized by the responsible authority in the ROC to conduct negotiations with the ARATS on the two issues of direct cross-strait weekend charter flights and mainland tourist visits to Taiwan." In the letter, the SEF also expresses hope that institutionalized negotiations can be promptly resumed on the basis of the "1992 Consensus."

May 28, 2008
In a meeting with Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung, Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, expresses hope that the KMT and the CPC and both sides across the Strait could make joint efforts to "build mutual trust, lay aside disputes, seek consensus and shelve differences, and jointly create a win-win situation." He also calls for continuing to follow and effectively implement the "common aspiration and prospects for cross-strait peace and development" The basic foundation for the establishment of mutual trust between the two sides is to oppose "Taiwan independence" and adhere to the "1992 Consensus." Hu also pledges support for sending "Tuantuan" and "Yuanyuan," a pair of giant pandas the Mainland has promised to send to Taiwan people as gifts, to Taiwan as soon as possible. Moreover, so long as the two sides work together to create the right conditions, a solution can be found through cross-strait negotiations to the issue of Taiwan's participation in international activities, with priority discussion of participation in the activities of the World Health Organization (WHO).

May 29, 2008
The MAC issues a press release indicating that pragmatic cross-strait negotiations are a major step in establishing mutual trust. The MAC emphasizes that the ROC side has always insisted on the policy position of resuming institutionalized cross-strait negotiations. In the future, cross-strait negotiations and interactions will be administered according to law and return to institutional norms. This will facilitate cross-strait relations to be gradually developed in a direction that is conducive to the establishment of mutual trust between the two sides. The MAC also reiterates that the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) is the only organization authorized by the government to hold negotiations with mainland China on issues involving government authority. On May 26, the government formally authorized the SEF to hold negotiations with the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) on three issues, including the implementation of cross-strait passenger and cargo charter flights and the opening of Taiwan to mainland tourists. This is the first step toward establishing mutual trust between the two sides and promoting benign cross-strait interactions.

May 29, 2008
During a meeting with US Congresswoman Jean Schmidt at the Office of the President, President Ma Ying-jeou states that Taiwan wants to serve in the role of "peacemaker" rather than "troublemaker." Based on maintaining Taiwan's autonomy and dignity, President Ma will do everything possible to improve cross-strait relations and create a platform for equal communication and peace and harmony.

May 29, 2008
The Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) sends a letter to the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) inviting SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung and Vice Chairman and Secretary-general Kao Koong-lian to lead a delegation to visit Beijing on June 11 to 14, 2008. It also expresses hope that, based on the "1992 Consensus," the two sides can promptly hold negotiations on matters related to cross-strait weekend charter flights and the visits to Taiwan by Mainland residents.

May 30, 2008
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) sends a reply letter to the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS), stating that it agrees to have SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung lead a delegation to visit Beijing.

May 30, 2008
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Yang Yi expresses hope that the two sides of the Strait can promptly resume contact and negotiations between the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) and Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) on the basis of the "1992 Consensus." After the SEF and the ARTATS resume negotiations, all issues of concern to compatriots on both sides and issues that need to be discussed can be negotiated. The current issues of greatest concern to compatriots on both sides of the Strait are the realization of cross-strait weekend charter flights and the visits to Taiwan by mainland residents. The SEF and the ARATS can hold negotiations on these issues based on the "1992 Consensus." In a departure from the past method of contact between the ARATS and the SEF, some responsible officials of Taiwan will participate as SEF consultants in the upcoming talks between the two agencies. Mainland China also hopes that the Taiwan side can allow Xinhua News Agency and the People's Daily to station correspondents in Taiwan as soon as possible to facilitate the healthy development of cross-strait media exchanges.

June 3, 2008
A meeting of China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) convenes to elect Chen Yunlin as ARATS chairman, Zheng Lizhong as permanent vice chairman, Sun Yafu as executive vice chairman, Li Bingcai as resident vice chairman, Wang Fuqing, Wang Zaixi, An Min and Zhang Mingqing as vice chairmen, and Li Yafei as secretary-general.

June 3, 2008
China's State Council announces the appointment of Wang Yi as director of the Taiwan Affairs Office. He replaces Chen Yunlin, who is elected as chairman of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS).

June 3, 2008
During a meeting of the board of directors of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), Jia Qinglin, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, indicates that it has been the consistent guiding principle and policy of the party and government to promote the development of cross-strait relations and progress toward the peaceful unification of the motherland through negotiations and talks. Adhering to the basis of the "1992 Consensus," the ARATS will hold negotiations with the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF). It will also uphold the spirit of "building mutual trust, shelving controversies, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and jointly creating a win-win outcome" in talks with the SEF so as to gradually and pragmatically resolve issues of concern to compatriots on both sides. Such talks will focus first on easier issues and then on difficult issues, and first on economic issues and then on political issues, to achieve steady progress in promoting cross-strait negotiations and talks.

June 3, 2008
At the first meeting of the second board of directors of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS), newly appointed ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin states that the ARATS and the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) have notified each other by letter and phone that their position is to promptly resume negotiations on the basis of the "1992 Consensus." The ARATS has been authorized to hold talks with the SEF on matters related to the gift of giant pandas from China to Taiwan. The ARATS will also actively promote exchange visits by the leaders of the ARATS and the SEF.

June 3, 2008
At a meeting of the second board of directors of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS), State Councilor Dai Bingguo indicates that the ARATS and the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) have both said they will resume contact, negotiations and talks on the basis of the "1992 Consensus." He hopes that after the ARATS and the SEF resume talks, the two sides can first negotiate on a resolution and promptly sign and implement an agreement on the issues concerning cross-strait weekend charter flights and travel to Taiwan by mainland residents, which have long been of mutual concern to compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

June 4, 2008
President Ma Ying-jeou expresses his thoughts on the 19th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Crackdown. He states that Taiwan cares about the welfare of the 1.3 billion people of mainland China and hopes that mainland China will continue to move toward freedom, democracy and prosperity for all the people. This would pave the way for the long-term peaceful development of cross-strait relations.

June 5, 2008
In an interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun, President Ma Ying-jeou states that many steps need to be taken before a Cross-Strait Common Market can be established. Cross-strait weekend charter flights and Mainland tourist visits to Taiwan are just a few small steps. As cross-strait transportation links become more convenient, exchanges between the two sides will certainly become more frequent. Complex and broad accompanying measures are also needed and will require step-by-step negotiations to accomplish. Taiwan hopes, moreover, that in the future the Mainland side will consider the thoughts of the ROC on the issue of missile deployment. Regarding discussion topics with the other side, President Ma states that economic issues will be discussed first and so-called political issues, perhaps including military issues, will be addressed later. If reconciliation is truly to be achieved, the two sides will need to discuss a cross-strait peace agreement.

June 6, 2008
The National Immigration Agency of the Ministry of the Interior repatriates 87 illegal Mainland stowaways from Matsu.

June 8, 2008
On June 11 to 14, a Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) delegation led by Chairman Chiang Pin-kung will hold negotiations in mainland China. The delegation will be composed of 19 persons, including 12 personnel of the SEF.

June 8, 2008
At the opening ceremony of the Cross-strait Exchange Center for Journalism and Communications Research in Xiamen, Taiwan Affairs Office Deputy Director Ye Kedong states that China will continue to actively promote cross-strait media exchanges. It will also adopt a more open attitude and more active measures toward encouraging and supporting various forms of exchange and cooperation between the media sectors on both sides as well as promoting the mutual establishment of media organizations on both sides at the soonest possible time.

June 9, 2008
In a reception with the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) negotiation mission, President Ma Ying-jeou states that the negotiations between the SEF and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) will focus on direct cross-strait weekend charter flights. In the future, negotiations can be broadened to include the issues of weekday charter flights and direct flights. There are still many details that need further discussion, which underscores the need to establish institutionalized channels. The two sides have agreed to resume negotiations on the basis of the "1992 Consensus." This is highly significant for "shelving controversies and finding commonalities despite differences."

June 9, 2008
In a meeting with Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) Chairman Huang Kun-huei, MAC Chairperson Lai Shin-yuan emphasizes that the greatest consensus in Taiwan is to safeguard Taiwan's identity and protect the interests of the Taiwanese people. Within this consensus, the MAC will make every effort to reconcile different positions and views to find the greatest common denominator.

June 9, 2008
The Council of Agriculture under the Executive Yuan announces revisions to Article 2 of the "Permit and Management Regulations Governing Mainland Chinese Seamen Employed Offshore and Sheltered by Owners of Taiwanese Fishing Vessels."

June 10, 2008
Attending the 2008 Dragon Boat Festival gathering of Taiwanese businessmen, President Ma Ying-jeou expresses hope that cross-strait negotiations on various issues can be held after the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) formally resume negotiations. In the future, the two sides should discuss issues related to the establishment of Mainland branches by Taiwan financial institutions, investment protection mechanisms, avoidance of double taxation, the establishment of high-tech standards, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

June 10, 2008
At the 2008 Dragon Boat Festival gathering of Taiwanese businessmen, MAC Chairperson Lai Shin-yuan indicates that, under the policy principle of "putting Taiwan first for the benefit of the people," the government will make Taiwan the core, make the world its vision, promote "dynamic adjustments to cross-strait economic and trade relations," and open up a new era for cross-strait economic and trade negotiations.

June 10, 2008
In a paper on "The ROC Government's Policy on Promoting Cross-strait Negotiations in the Current Phase," the MAC indicates that ROC government will resume negotiations with mainland China through the institutionalized mechanism of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS). Such negotiations will proceed under the premise of "putting Taiwan first for the benefit of the people" and on the basis of the "1992 Consensus." Taiwan hopes that the two sides can adhere to the principle of "shelving controversies and pursuing a win-win situation." It is also hoped that once the SEF and ARATS resume institutionalized negotiations, the two sides can strike a balance in the joint pursuit of their respective interests, and thereby bring about a new era in cross-strait relations.

June 10, 2008
The MAC issues a press release stating that before Taiwan and mainland China sign a bilateral currency agreement, Taiwan will allow the trial implementation of NT dollar-renminbi conversion on a small scale and within a limited scope. The government will also allow Mainland visitors to convert RMB into NT dollars for use in Taiwan.

June 10, 2008
At a press conference before departing Taiwan to resume institutionalized negotiations between the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and mainland China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS), SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung emphasizes that the SEF has always adhered to the principles of parity and dignity, safeguarding the rights and interests of the people on both sides, and seeking mutual benefit in cross-strait negotiations. The current round of negotiations will be no different and the SEF will not fail the people's trust.

June 10, 2008
Qin Gang, spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, states at a press conference that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands, which have been an intrinsic part of the Chinese territory since ancient times. China expresses grave concern and strong dissatisfaction over the Japanese vessel's activity around the Diaoyu Islands, which led to the sinking of a Taiwan fishing boat.

June 11, 2008
The MAC indicates that since the government began allowing visits to Taiwan by Category-2 and Category-3 Mainland tourists up to late April, a total of 288,420 person-trips to Taiwan have been made by such tourists in 22,956 groups. In addition, there have been a total of seven holiday cross-strait charter flight programs with a combined 301 flights, carrying 105,682 passengers.

June 11, 2008
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) delegation led by Chairman Chiang Pin-kung embarks for mainland China for negotiations. After a meeting between the chairmen of the SEF and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) on the morning of June 12, SEF Vice Chairman and Secretary-general Kao Koong-lian and ARATS Executive Vice Chairman (ARATS) Sun Yafu jointly preside the SEF-ARATS negotiations. On June 13, SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung and ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin sign the "SEF-ARATS Minutes of Talks on Cross-Strait Charter Flights" and the "Cross-Strait Agreement Signed Between SEF and ARATS Concerning Mainland Tourists Traveling to Taiwan."

June 12, 2008
In a meeting with Wendell Weeks, chairman and CEO of US-based Corning Inc., President Ma Ying-jeou states that the two sides require a more systematic negotiation mechanism and should pursue a more stable state of affairs. He says that the new government has repeatedly given the message to neighboring countries that Taiwan will be a peacemaker.

June 12, 2008
Premier Liu Chao-shiuan expresses hope that, adhering to the principles of "shelving controversies and pursuing a win-win situation," the two sides of the Taiwan Strait will jointly work to realize the major policies of launching weekend charter flights and allowing Mainland tourist visits to Taiwan.

June 12, 2008
MAC Vice Chairman Johnnason Liu welcomes a visit to Taiwan by Chairman Chen Yunlin of mainland China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) at an appropriate time. He also states that there is already a mechanism for exchange visits by responsible persons of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) under the communication framework between the two organizations. Vice Chairman Liu hopes that the institutionalized contact and negotiation mechanism between the SEF and the ARATS can be resumed after Chen Yunlin becomes chairman of the ARATS.

June 12, 2008
During a meeting between Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Chiang Pin-kung and Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) Chairman Chen Yunlin, the two sides exchange views on promptly resolving the two issues of cross-strait weekend charter flights and travel to Taiwan by Mainland residents. They also discuss matters related to promoting negotiations and enhancing contacts between the SEF and the ARATS. Chen Yunlin states at the meeting that the ARATS is willing to adhere to the spirit of "building mutual trust, shelving controversies, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and jointly creating a win-win outcome." Through negotiations with the SEF on an equal footing, the ARATS will also seek to pragmatically resolve issues of concern to compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

June 12, 2008
During a meeting with Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Chiang Pin-kung and SEF delegation members, Wang Yi, director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council, states that the ARATS and the SEF have resumed negotiations on the basis of the "1992 Consensus." The two sides have reached a consensus, through negotiations on an equal footing, on cross-strait weekend charter flights and travel to Taiwan by mainland residents. Of first importance is the proposition by Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China, that both sides should build mutual trust, shelve controversies, seek common ground while reserving differences, and jointly create a win-win situation. The root of building mutual trust is to oppose "Taiwan independence" and adhere to the "1992 Consensus."

June 13, 2008
During a meeting with Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Chiang Pin-kung and the SEF delegation members, Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China, indicates that the ARATS and the SEF have resumed talks on the common political basis of the "1992 Consensus" and made practical achievements. So long as the two sides adhere to the spirit of "building mutual trust, shelving controversies, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and jointly creating a win-win situation," cross-strait talks can be steadily advanced.

June 14, 2008
In a reception with the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) negotiation mission, President Ma Ying-jeou states that the negotiations between the SEF and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) on weekend charter flights and Mainland tourist visits to Taiwan are a good start. However, further negotiations are needed to address the issues of new routes, cargo charter flights and weekday charter flights. President Ma hopes that the SEF will schedule future negotiation agendas according to the priority of issues so as to achieve the greatest benefit from cross-strait direct transportation links. The institutionalized communication channel established by the SEF and the ARATS can, in the future, be used for more diverse and tiered negotiations and discussions on issues of importance so as to accelerate the progress of talks between the two sides.

June 14, 2008
MAC Chairperson Lai Shin-yuan states that the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) delegation signed the "SEF-ARATS Minutes of Talks on Cross-Strait Charter Flights" and the "Cross-Strait Agreement Signed Between SEF and ARATS Concerning Mainland Tourists Traveling to Taiwan" with the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) after negotiations with the latter under the principles of parity and dignity, as authorized by the government. The SEF has successfully completed its mission and laid a foundation for ongoing institutionalized negotiations across the Strait. Cross-strait weekend passenger charter flights and Mainland tourist visits to Taiwan are expected to begin in the near term and will provide a clear basis for follow-up negotiations on cargo charter flights.

June 14, 2008
China Eastern Airlines President Cao Jianxiong leads a business mission to Taiwan to discuss ground service agency, marketing, aircraft maintenance guarantee, service standards, in-flight meal service, and other issues related to opening up aviation links.

June 14, 2008
Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) Executive Vice Chairman Sun Yafu emphasizes that a visit to Taiwan by Chen Yunlin is a major issue in exchanges between the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and the ARATS. The two sides need to further discuss related itinerary arrangements, meetings between the ARATS and SEF leaders, and other related activities. The arrangements should be "beneficial to a successful visit" the "appropriate names" should be adhered to for the convenience of both hosts and visitors. Vice Chairman Sun also states that working toward the mutual establishment of offices by the SEF and the ARATS on each other's side is important and necessary for the future development of contact between the two organizations. The SEF and the ARATS still need to discuss the specific approach to this end.

June 16, 2008
China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) sends a letter to Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) informing the SEF of a bus accident involving Taiwan tourists in Tongjiang City, Heilongjiang Province, and follow-up handling of the situation.

June 16, 2008
A 39-member delegation from mainland China arrives in Taipei to begin an 11-day on-site inspection tour.

June 16, 2008
Representatives and negotiation groups from Mainland air carriers!DChina Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Air China!Darrive in Taiwan for discussions with Taiwan's airline companies on related issues.

June 17, 2008
The Civil Aeronautics Administration announces the distribution plan for weekend charter flights by Mainland carriers. In the initial phase, the main passenger carriers will be Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, and Shanghai Airlines.

June 17, 2008
China's Cross-Strait Tourism Exchange Association (CTEA) announces a list of the first batch of 33 travel agencies in 13 provinces and cities designated to provide Taiwan-outbound travel services for Mainland tourists.

June 17, 2008
While attending a plenary session of the Research Center for Relations across the Taiwan Straits, Wang Yi, director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council, states that researchers of Taiwan need to strengthen studies of dynamic issues, understand the actual social conditions and public opinion in Taiwan, fully grasp development trends in the Taiwan Strait, explore the regular pattern of the development of cross-strait relations, and propose methods for resolving issues.

June 17, 2008
While attending a plenary session of the Research Center for Relations across the Taiwan Straits, State Councilor Dai Bingguo expresses hope that Taiwan-related research institutions and experts will vigorously study new situations and new issues, actively explore new train of thought and new approaches, lift Taiwan-related research work to a new level, and contribute to the overall improvement of Taiwan-related work.

June 18, 2008
In an interview with The New York Times, President Ma Ying-jeou states that economic relations between Taiwan and mainland China will develop rapidly over the next year or two, and not just in the areas of opening direct weekend charter flights and promoting tourism exchange. After the economic issues are resolved, other matters can be discussed, including the issues of restrictions on Taiwan's "international space" and cross-strait security. President Ma reiterates that for peaceful cross-strait negotiations to be possible, China must first withdraw its missiles and end the de jure state of hostilities between the two sides.

June 18, 2008
During the period of June 3 to 15 when the 2008 Dragon Boat Festival charter flights were implemented, a total of 10 airlines on both sides across the Strait provided 19 roundtrip flights.

June 19, 2008
At the Annual Assembly of the Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce (CNAIC), President Ma Ying-jeou emphasizes that the government should eliminate all unnecessary political obstructions to cross-strait economic relations. Taiwan also hopes in the future to negotiate with mainland China regarding a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).

June 19, 2008
The Executive Yuan approves revisions to the "Regulations Governing the Trial Operation of Transportation Links Between Kinmen/Matsu and the Mainland Area." The revised regulations allow all people of the Taiwan Area, foreign nationals, and residents of Hong Kong and Macao holding valid entry/exit documentation to travel to/from the Mainland Area via Kinmen and Matsu after receiving permission from the National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior.

June 20, 2008
The Ministry of the Interior announces the quota and implementation scope and method for Mainland people applying to visit Taiwan for tourism activities, to be implemented from June 23, 2008.

June 20, 2008
The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications instruct that the revised "Permit Regulations Governing the Sightseeing Activities in Taiwan by Mainland Tourists" will be implemented from June 23, 2008.

June 20, 2008
MAC Vice Chairman Fu Don-cheng states that, initially, Category-1 Mainland tourists visiting Taiwan will need to enter and exit as a group. The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) have reached a consensus that Mainland tour groups may stay in Taiwan for up to 10 days. However, the effective allowable period of stay will be 12 days since a one-day extension is allowed and stays are calculated from the day after arrival.

June 20, 2008
The Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs issues statistics indicating that in May 2008, approval was granted for 55 Mainland-bound investments with a total approved investment amount of US$1,157,923,000.

June 21, 2008
The Ministry of the Interior announces that Taiwan will daily process up to 4,311 applications by Mainland people intending to visit Taiwan for tourism.

June 21, 2008
Mainland China's Cross-Strait Tourism Exchange Association (CTEA) announces the "Matters Needing Attention for Travel by Mainland Residents to the Taiwan Area," the "Regulations on the Management of Tour Guides for Mainland Residents Traveling to the Taiwan Area," and the "Regulations on the Management of the 'Name List of Mainland Tour Groups Traveling to the Taiwan Area'."

June 22, 2008
Premier Liu Chao-shiuan convenes an inter-ministerial meeting to confirm all accompanying measures governing Mainland tourist visits to Taiwan. The meeting also establishes a task force, operational immediately, in charge of coordinating affairs among ministries.

June 23, 2008
According to Japan's Kyodo News Service news reports, Wang Yi, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) under China's State Council, states in a meeting in Beijing with the Japan-China New Century Association, a group formed by members of the House of Representatives of Japan, that mainland China does not accept formal membership for Taiwan in the World Health Organization (WHO), however it will establish a new framework to enable Taiwan to access the WHO's "international network" for information sharing.
TAO Spokesperson Fan Liqing states that Wang Yi is only elaborating on the mainland's "consistent position" regarding Taiwan's participation in the WHO and that the Japanese media reports are "inaccurate." Fan indicates that both sides across the Strait have achieved a "common vision for cross-strait peaceful development," which has clearly stated that after resumption of cross-strait negotiations, both sides can discuss the issue of Taiwan's participation in international activities, with priority on the discussion of Taiwan's participation in the activities of the WHO. She states that "with joint efforts, both sides can create conditions to find a solution to these issues through cross-strait negotiations."

June 24, 2008
During an interpellation at the Legislative Yuan, Premier Liu Chao-shiuan states that the formal channel between the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) has been resumed. Before ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin visits Taiwan, the SEF and the ARATS will discuss all of the relevant details, including forms of address. In negotiations with the other side, all agencies must uphold Taiwan's national dignity.

June 25, 2008
In a meeting with former US Secretary of Defense William Perry and a delegation from the National Committee on United States-China Relations, President Ma Ying-jeou states that Taiwan will be a peacemaker and will pursue peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's improvement in relations with mainland China will first begin in the realm of economics and gradually progress to seeking more international space for Taiwan. He adds that, ultimately, the two sides could in future discuss a peace treaty.

June 25, 2008
During a meeting with US dignitaries, MAC Chairperson Lai Shin-yuan indicates that the people of Taiwan have always aspired to participate in international organizations and activities in a dignified manner. Regrettably, however, mainland China still imposes manifold restrictions on the manner of Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and Taiwan's name in international organizations. Chairperson Lai calls on the Beijing authorities to pragmatically face up to the reality between the two sides, to truly understand the thinking of the Taiwanese people, and to concretely show goodwill toward Taiwan's participation in international organizations and activities. Chairperson Lai hopes to see Taiwan have "true space" in the international community.

June 25, 2008
The National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior states that it has strictly examined interview cases involving Mainland spouses entering Taiwan. It has also conducted on-site inspections of the living situation of the involved parties, bolstered interview mechanisms, and required the involved parties to prepare relevant income or financial statements as evidence during the interview.

June 25, 2008
During a press conference, Fan Liqing, spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council, states that following the resumption of negotiations between the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) and Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), the most important matter will be to establish an institutionalized negotiation mechanism. During their talks, the SEF and the ARATS have reached a consensus on how to form stronger and closer contacts, including through the establishment of an emergency liaison mechanism.

June 26, 2008
While attending the 2nd Session of the 4th Members' Meeting of the Taiwan Federation of Industry, Premier Liu Chao-shiuan emphasizes that mainland China is Taiwan's biggest overseas investment base and also its biggest export market. It is therefore necessary to pragmatically promote dynamic adjustments in cross-strait economic and trade relations, and also to bring about a new era for cross-strait economic and trade negotiations.

June 26, 2008
The Executive Yuan approves measures to open up cross-strait financial exchanges in order to develop Taiwan as an "Asia Pacific Assets Management and Capital-Raising Center" and promote the operations of a cross-strait financial supervision and management mechanism. Financial Supervisory Commission Vice Chairperson Susan Chang explains the following measures for adjusting and opening Mainland-bound investment:

1. Fund-type foreign institutional investors will be exempted from submitting a declaration that investment capital is not from the Mainland Area.
2. Domestic and Hong Kong exchange traded funds (EFTs) will be allowed to mutually list between the two sides.
3. Enterprises listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx) may apply for secondary listings (including over-the-counter listings) in Taiwan and issue Taiwan Depository Receipts (TDRs) and other types of negotiable security.
4. Securities firms will be allowed to invest directly in mainland China's fund management companies and futures companies and indirectly invest in mainland China's securities firms. Futures companies will be able to directly and indirectly invest in mainland China's futures companies, while securities investment trust companies will be allowed to invest directly or indirectly in mainland China's fund management companies.
5. Restrictions on fund investment in overseas assets linked to mainland shares will be eased.

June 27, 2008
The Financial Supervisory Commission of the Executive Yuan and the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) revise the "Permit Regulations on Bringing Currency Issued in the Mainland Area to the Taiwan Area."

June 27, 2008
The Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Financial Supervisory Commission of the Executive Yuan formulate the "Regulations Governing the Management and Currency Clearance of Renminbi in the Taiwan Area."

June 29, 2008
MAC Vice Chairman Fu Don-cheng states that mainland tourists can visit Taiwan via charter flights or flights transiting in a third area. The limited seating of charter flights will therefore not restrict the number of mainland tourists that can visit Taiwan.

June 30, 2008
In an address at a military promotion ceremony, President Ma Ying-jeou states that mainland China is both a threat to and opportunity for Taiwan. Upholding Taiwan's security requires not only military preparation, but also the reduction of external threats.

June 30, 2008
The MAC's Council Meeting approves a proposal by the Government Information Office of the Executive Yuan to allow mainland China's Xinhua News Agency and People's Daily to base reporters in Taiwan. The allowable period of stay in Taiwan for Mainland reporters will be extended from the current one month to three months.

June 30, 2008
The Bank of Taiwan begins buying and selling renminbi on Taiwan proper from June 30, 2008.

June 30, 2008
China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) Spokesperson Zhu Shanzhong announces that a total of 760 people will join the first Mainland group and exchange mission to Taiwan. The mission will be led by CNTA Director Shao Qiwei as chairman of the Cross-Strait Tourism Exchange Association (CTEA). The exchange mission will tour Taiwan for seven days, and the tour group will stay in Taiwan for 10 days.