Date: December 25, 2018
MAC Press Release No. 81
In regard to relevant comments made by Taiwan county magistrates and city mayors elect during recent media interviews, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated today (December 25, 2018) that some newly elected county and city heads have made public statements that do not accord with the facts, due to their unfamiliarity with cross-Strait policies, laws, and exchange situations. It expressed hope that the county magistrates and city mayors would first understand the current situation of cross-Strait relations before making comments, as well as speak prudently to avoid creating misunderstanding. The MAC will also soon arrange for minister or deputy ministers to visit local governments, explain the government's cross-Strait policy on issues of concern, and hear their views.
The MAC indicated that criticisms made during interviews that the government does not allow Mainland capital to invest or buy real estate in Taiwan is clearly inconsistent with the facts. Since 2009, the government has permitted Mainland investment in Taiwan. Taiwan currently allows inbound investment in 404 items. A total of 1,217 Mainland Chinese investments in Taiwan had been approved as of November this year, with an investment amount of about US$2.17 billion. Since 2002, Mainland Chinese investors have been allowed to purchase real estate in Taiwan. As of September this year, the Ministry of the Interior had approved a total of 492 real estate purchases by Mainlanders, with the value of right of land for compensation equivalent to NT$9 billion. Among these transactions, 120 (24% of the total) were in Kaohsiung City. In addition, Kaohsiung International Airport (KIA) has already been open for cross-Strait direct flights. KIA has added flight service to Shanghai Pudong Airport. Future flight service between KIA and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport still requires communication between the cross-Strait aviation authorities in accordance with the Agreement.
The MAC stressed that development and policy direction of cross-Strait relations remain under the authority of the central government. Local governments should comply with the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area and other relevant legislation when engaging in cross-Strait exchanges. The government supports counties and cities in promoting local economic development. The central government also listens to the suggestions of all parties and cooperates with local governments to enhance Taiwan's economic development, promote sound and orderly cross-Strait exchanges, and jointly safeguard the nation's overall security and interests.