Date: August 31, 2016
MAC Press Release No. 56
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) today (August 31, 2016), made the following observations regarding the appointment of Mr. Tien Hung-mao as chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF):
1. The new SEF Chairman Mr. Tien Hung-mao is a man of profound scholarship and high virtues. He has closely followed cross-Strait affairs for many years and is committed to cross-Strait exchanges and interaction and promoting mutual understanding. He will be a major asset in promoting the benign development of cross-Strait relations and future SEF affairs.
2. Regarding the follow-up promotion of SEF affairs, the MAC indicated that the SEF is the only organization authorized by the government to handle cross-Strait affairs. It will remain in charge of assisting in the handling of cross-Strait exchanges, services and negotiations. The MAC will work together with the SEF.
3. The MAC also reiterated that the government will continue, based on the existing historical facts and political foundations, to handle cross-Strait affairs in accordance with the ROC Constitution, the Act Governing Relations between the People of Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area and other relevant legislation. It also called on mainland China to pragmatically start communication with Taiwan and, based on the past results of cross-Strait exchanges, work together for the benefit of people on both sides.
4. Regarding follow-up procedures for the SEF Chairman and other personnel, the MAC stated that it would report to the Executive Yuan for approval according to administrative procedures. In addition, the SEF will convene a meeting of the board of directors and the supervisory board and hold a by-election for the new chairman. After completion of the relevant personnel operation procedures, the SEF will formally inform the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS). It is hoped that the SEF and the ARATS can follow up with pragmatic communication and interactions on issues related to the well-being of people on both sides and issues of mutual concern.