December 23, 2017
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chang Hsiao-yueh explained the following specific measures related to cross-Strait affairs of public concern during an exchange with the media:
1. Promoting regulatory loosening for the Mini–Three-Links and streamlining convenience measures
The government has recently planned several measures to loosen regulations for the Mini-Three-Links. The previously announced draft amendments to the Regulations Governing the Trial Operation of Transportation Links Between Kinmen/Matsu/Penghu and the Mainland Area adds a legal basis for providing subsidies to loss-making Mini-Three-Links shipping operators. It will also allow, by January 18, 2018, fishing boats registered in Kinmen and Matsu to apply to the local county government for permission to transport aquatic products between Kinmen and Matsu and mainland China, as well as reduce the minimum size of Mini -Three-Links tour groups from the Mainland from five people to three people.
The MAC has also coordinated with the National Immigration Agency (NIA) on planning measures to facilitate Mainland tourist entry via the Mini-Three-Links, including: "simplification of application documents required for individual travel via the Mini-Three-Links (endorsement G is no longer required)," "reduction of the review period for art, cultural, and business exchanges via the Mini-Three-Links from five business days to three business days," and "broadening the scope of allowed purposes for travel via the Mini-Three-Links." The involved agencies are now engaged with the related administrative procedures and supporting operations.
Implementation of the aforementioned new Mini Three Links measures can encourage Mainland tourists to travel via the Mini-Three-Links and increase the convenience of Mini–Three-Links exchanges. This will support industrial development and increase tourism revenue in outlying island areas.
2. Deliberating relaxing degree of kinship requirements for family-related visits to Taiwan by the relatives of Mainland spouses and continuing care the livelihood rights and interests of Mainland spouses
The government is deliberating relaxing the kinship requirements for family-related visits by the relatives of Mainland spouses with I.D. cards (currently relatives of such spouses up to the third degree of consanguinity can apply to make family-related visits to Taiwan), to also allow such visits by the spouses of relatives up to the third degree of consanguinity (e.g. aunts and nieces-in-law). For Mainland spouses who have not yet obtained an I.D. card (currently only the parents of such spouses may visit Taiwan) to allow applications for family-related visits to Taiwan by relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity and their spouses (e.g. siblings, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law). The MAC and NIA are also considering in the overall planning and promotion of regulatory revisions the recent suggestions successively proposed by Mainland spouses, such as allowing visits by the spouses of relatives of Mainland spouses up to the third degree of kinship consanguinity to visit Taiwan, as well as whether to allow minor children to travel together with such relatives and multiple-entry visas for parents to visit Taiwan to facilitate travel arrangements and meet the expectations of Mainland spouses.
The government has always been concerned about the rights of Mainland spouses living in Taiwan. Believing that "substantive care is more important," the government will give priority to resolving urgent issues related to the economic, family, and parenting demands that Mainland spouses living in Taiwan face as they integrate in Taiwan society and thereby make life in Taiwan more convenient for Mainland spouses.
3. Promoting affairs related to the Taiwan-Macao Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement on Aviation Businesses and Article 29-1 of the Act Governing Relations with Hong Kong and Macao
The Taiwan-Macao Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement on Aviation Businesses was signed in Macao on December 10, 2015, and deliberated and approved by the Legislative Yuan on November 7, 2017. The agreement was signed by official representatives of Taiwan and Macao. This not only highlights the official nature of the agreement, but also establishes a long-term institutionalized mechanism for mutual tax exemption, assisting the development of Taiwan's air transport industry, and optimizing the investment environment in Taiwan. Moreover, the amendment to Article 29-1 of the Act Governing Relations with Hong Kong and Macao, jointly proposed by the MAC and the Ministry of Finance based on the“principle of taxation by law,”passed the third reading by the Legislative Yuan on the 28th of the same month and was promulgated by Presidential Order on December 13. The Executive Yuan announced that the revised Act would take effect on December 21, providing a clear legal basis for the signing of agreements related to mutual tax exemption between Taiwan's executive branch and the governments of Hong Kong and Macao.
The achievements of the above-mentioned measures are all closely related to the rights and interests of the people on both sides. They also reflect the "people-centered" principles of the president's policies. Despite facing the Mainland's tightening of official cross-Strait interaction, refusal to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, and other negative actions, the government has sought to maintain the status quo of peace and stability and held firmly and consistently to its position and pledge to uphold Taiwan's democracy and public opinion and defend Taiwan's core interests and values. The government will dynamically assess developments and take necessary action to maintain national dignity and interests. It calls for the two sides to jointly search for new modes of cross-Strait interaction and contribute positively to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and region. This is conducive to cross-Strait peace and stability and improving the well-being of the people.