January 2, 2009
SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung states that the SEF and the ARATS plan to focus mainly on technical as well as economic and trade issues during negotiations in the first half of this year. For the time being, negotiations will not concern political issues.
January 7-10, 2009
The SEF issues a press release stating that SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung led a delegation to Shenzhen, Dongguan, Guangzhou and Nanjing to visit with Taiwanese businesspeople. The group also met with ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin.
January 8, 2009
The SEF and the ARATS held a symposium with Taiwanese businesspeople in Guangzhou to learn about the production and operation problems faced by Taiwanese businesses in the Mainland, exchange views with them and listen to their suggestions on cross-strait economic exchanges and cooperation.
January 9, 2009
During a meeting with Deputy Governor of Guangdong Province Wan Qingliang, SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung states that in order to resolve the financial difficulties faced by Taiwanese businesses and cross-strait small-and medium-size enterprises, he would be willing to provide information on the establishment and operation mechanisms of the Small and Medium Enterprise Credit Guarantee Fund of Taiwan to help local governments in the Mainland establish similar guarantee mechanisms. Currently, Shanghai and Kunshan are willing to establish credit guarantee companies.
January 9, 2009
The Cross-strait Tourism Exchange Association in mainland China announces the introduction of new measures on travel by Mainland residents to Taiwan. The new measures will change the lower limit on tour group size from "10 or more people" to "five or more people," while the allowable period of stay in Taiwan for Mainland tour groups will be increased from "not more than 10 days" to "not more than 15days."
January 10, 2009
The SEF and the ARATS held a symposium for representatives of Taiwan businesses in the Yangtze River Delta Region in Nanjing to understand the views and opinions of Taiwanese businesspeople on the current production and operational situation of Taiwanese-funded businesses and the strengthening of cross-strait economic exchanges and cooperation. SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung and ARATS Executive Vice Chairman Zheng Lizhong were among the symposium attendees.
January 22, 2009
The ARATS announces that 12 provinces (autonomous regions) including Hebei would be included among the second batch of Mainland areas in which residents will be allowed to visit Taiwan. Along with previously approved areas, the residents of 25 Mainland provinces and special municipalities are now allowed to apply for travel to Taiwan.
January 22, 2009
MAC Spokesperson Johnnason Liu states that the MAC has formally authorized the SEF to send a letter to the ARATS, expressing hope that negotiations will include the three issues of finance, regular flights and Mainland-capital investment in Taiwan. Regarding the finance issue, the main emphasis would be on the signing of a memorandum of understanding on banking, securities, future and insurance supervision and management.
February 19, 2009
Taiwan Affairs Office Deputy Director Zheng Lizhong emphasizes that the Third Chiang-Chen Talks will be held in mainland China. For the time being, the talks will not touch on the issue of signing a CECA.
February 24, 2009
The SEF issues a paper entitled the "Basic Attitude Toward the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)." It indicates that the Ministry of Economic Affairs-the competent authority, and the MAC are now jointly studying related matters according to Taiwan's industrial policy development needs. A specific negotiation strategy and approach has not yet been formed and the SEF has not yet been authorized to begin negotiations.
March 4, 2009
While attending a meeting of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin informs reporters that since negotiations between the SEF and the ARATS have been institutionalized, he expects to visit Taiwan again in the second half of the year to meet with SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung.
March 5, 2009
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency, ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin states that mainland China will further deepen cross-strait exchanges and cooperation and promote negotiations and talks. The ARATS will continue to focus its work on negotiations this year regarding completion of the direct cross-strait "Three Links" and normalization of cross-strait economic relations. It will then promote the signing of a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement (CECA) and gradually establish an economic cooperation mechanism with cross-strait characteristics. In the first half of this year, the SEF and the ARATS will begin negotiations and dialogue on the issues of launching regular cross-strait air flights, strengthening cross-strait financial cooperation, and establishing mechanisms for cross-strait cooperation in the fields of banking, securities, insurance and currency, joint crime-fighting and two-way cross-strait investment. It is hoped that new agreements can be signed when the leaders of the SEF and the ARATS meet for the third time in the Mainland in the first half of the year.
March 6, 2009
SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung states that the two sides will hold a high-level dialogue to exchange views on the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) during the third Chiang-Chen Talks. If the other side approves, the two sides can then discuss whether or not to include this issue in the negotiation agenda for the fourth Chiang-Chen Talks. At present, the three confirmed negotiation issues are joint crime-fighting and mutual judicial assistance, regular flights, and financial cooperation.
March 9, 2009
At a celebration event marking the 18th anniversary of the founding of the SEF, Chairman Chiang Pin-kung states that the SEF in the future will continue to promote institutionalized cross-strait negotiations. It is hoped that in the first half of this year, the two sides can complete negotiations on issues of joint crime-fighting, mutual judicial assistance, regular flights and financial cooperation.
March 9, 2009
In an exclusive interview with China News Service, ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin states that ARATS will continue to focus its work on negotiations regarding completion of the direct cross-strait "Three Links" and normalization of cross-strait economic relations. It will then promote the signing of a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement (CECA) and gradually establish an economic cooperation mechanism with cross-strait characteristics. According to the convention of the institutionalized negotiations between the SEF and the ARATS, the leaders of the SEF and the ARATS will hold their third talks in mainland China in the first half of this year. The two sides have initially decided to focus on the negotiation issues of regular cross-strait flights, strengthening cross-strait financial cooperation, joint crime-fighting and judicial contact and assistance during the upcoming talks. They will also discuss two-way cross-strait investment issues and seek to sign new agreements beneficial to compatriots on both sides of the Strait.
March 12, 2009
SEF Vice Chairman and Secretary-general Kao Koong-lian states that the third Chiang-Chen Talks will cover four issues, including joint crime-fighting, financial cooperation, regular flights and Mainland investment in Taiwan. The government will complete the negotiations and sign an agreement under the principle of equality, dignity, pragmatism, steadiness, and benefits for Taiwan.
March 17, 2009
In an article entitled "Opening up New Prospects for the Peaceful Development of Cross-Strait Relations" published in the fifth 2009 issue of Qiushi magazine, ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin states that adherence to the position that the Mainland and Taiwan both belong to one China is the political basis for cross-strait negotiations and talks. Adhering to the "1992 Consensus" means that both sides acknowledge that the Mainland and Taiwan belong to one China. With this political foundation, the two sides can build mutual trust, shelve controversies, find commonalities despite differences, create together a win-win solution, and effectively advance cross-strait negotiations. "Taiwan independence" separatists and their activities are the main forces undermining the development of cross-strait relations and cross-strait negotiations and talks, and they must be firmly opposed and deterred.
March 21, 2009
While attending the "Third Cross-Strait Hakka Summit Forum," SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung indicates that the MAC has authorized the SEF to hold negotiations on the signing of three memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on cross-strait financial cooperation in banking, securities and futures, and insurance supervision and management, as well as negotiations on regular flights, Mainland investment in Taiwan, and joint cross-strait crime-fighting.
March 23, 2009
The SEF issues a press release stating its basic attitude toward the comprehensive economic cooperation agreement (CECA). It indicates that the main role of the SEF is to arrange contacts. The content of the substantive negotiations will be directly discussed between officials of the related government ministries and departments and their Mainland counterparts.
March 25, 2009
During a meeting of the SEF board of directors and supervisory board, SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung states that in April, the SEF and the ARATS will launch a series of interactions. ARATS Vice Chairman An Min will lead an economic and trade delegation to Taiwan to further normalize SEF-ARATS exchanges. The SEF and the ARATS will also hold the third Chiang-Chen Talks and conduct negotiations on the four issues of joint cross-strait crime-fighting and mutual judicial assistance, regular flights, financial cooperation, and Mainland investment in Taiwan.
April 6-12, 2009
ARATS Vice Chairman An Min leads an economic and trade exchange mission to Taiwan for a seven-day visit.
April 18, 2009
In delivering opening remarks during the preparatory discussions between the SEF and the ARATS, SEF Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian states that the SEF and the ARATS will hold the third Chiang-Chen Talks this year for negotiations on the four issues of regular flights, financial cooperation, joint crime-fighting, and Mainland investment in Taiwan.
April 25, 2009
ARATS Permanent Vice Chairman Zheng Lizhong and SEF Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian co-chair a working meeting for final exchanges on matters relating to regular cross-strait flights, cross-strait financial cooperation, cross-strait joint crime-fighting and judicial mutual assistance, and Mainland investment in Taiwan.
April 26, 2009
The third Chiang-Chen Talks formally convene in Nanjing. SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung and ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin represent the two sides in signing the Cross-Strait Joint Crime-Fighting and Judicial Mutual Assistance Agreement, Cross-Strait Financial Cooperation Agreement, and Cross-Strait Supplementary Agreement on Cross-Strait Air Transport. The two sides also reach a consensus on jointly promoting Mainland investment in Taiwan.
April 26, 2009
The SEF holds a press conference in Nanjing after the talks and signing ceremony. SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung states that in the future, the SEF and the ARATS can make arrangements for the related agencies on the two sides of the Strait to discuss the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). So long as the two sides reach a consensus, this issue can be included as a new issue for negotiations between the SEF and the ARATS at any time. In addition, SEF Vice Chairman and Secretary-General Kao Koong-lian indicates that, with regard to the issue of allowing Mainland capital investment in Taiwan, the Taiwan side will announce the related rules and accompanying measures within the next month or two, including allowed investment items and mode of investment.
May 26, 2009
SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung states that the MAC and related ministries must reach an agreement on negotiation issues between the SEF and the ARATS before the SEF proposes them to the Mainland side. Therefore, the fourth Chiang-Chen Talks will only address the four issues-including avoidance of double taxation, fishery labor cooperation, quarantine and inspection of agricultural products, and product standardization, testing and certification cooperation. The issue of public concern-mutual establishment of representative offices-will not be included among the negotiation issues.
May 27, 2009
The SEF announces the situation on the utilization of funds donated by Taiwan for the Sichuan earthquake reconstruction work. On September 12, 2008, NT$1.2 billion raised through a special Sichuan earthquake donation account established by the government was transferred to the ARATS, with stipulations that the funds be used for "community reconstruction" and "school reconstruction." The ARATS also sent a letter to the Taiwan side informing it of the situation on the utilization of the donated funds. It stated that most of the funds donated by Taiwan were used for reconstruction and support projects that have been planned or are already in the construction phase.
June 1, 2009
The SEF holds a Dragon Boat Festival gathering attended by the chairmen of Mainland chapters of the Taiwanese businessmen's associations, Taiwanese business leaders, and the heads of related government ministries and departments. Premier Liu Chao-shiuan also attends the evening banquet.
June 9, 2009
Zhou Ning. a member of the ARATS board of directors, leads a Mainland judicial exchange delegation to visit the SEF. The delegation meets with Taiwanese experts on issues related to joint crime-fighting and judicial mutual assistance affairs.
June 16, 2009
Two Taiwanese businesspeople are killed and one is injured in an incident in Dongguan, mainland China. Chen Jung-yuan, director of the SEF Economic and Trade Service Department, states that the SEF has sent a letter to the ARATS requesting assistance. The SEF is also helping the families of the victims to travel to mainland China to handle follow-up affairs.
June 24, 2009
In a speech delivered to the third joint meeting of the 7th SEF Board of Directors and Supervisory Board, SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung states that according to President Ma Ying-jeou's instruction, in engaging in cross-strait negotiations, we should abide by the principle of "three firsts and three laters," namely "easy issues first and difficult issues later, urgent issues first and less pressing issues later, and economic issues first and political issues later." During the third Chiang-Chen Talks, the two sides decided that the priority negotiation issues for the fourth talks would be "cross-strait quarantine and inspection of agricultural products, cross-strait avoidance of double taxation, cross-strait fishery labor cooperation, and cross-strait cooperation on standard inspection, measurement and certification." However, other issues can be added as needed by the competent authority and with the agreement of the other side.
July 5, 2009
SEF Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian leads a delegation to Qingdao and visits Taiwanese businesspeople in the Bohai Rim area. During his stay, he also introduces plans related to the opening of Taiwan to Mainland investors.
July 9, 2009
During a seminar with members of the Changchun chapter of the Taiwanese Businessmen's Association, SEF Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian indicates that before the two sides sign a bilateral investment protection agreement, the joint platform established between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Communist Party of China for the "Working Meeting on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Taiwanese Businesspeople" could be transferred to the SEF-ARATS platform so as to promptly meet the needs of the Taiwanese business community in mainland China.
July 14, 2009
SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung leads a "Delegation for the Care of Sichuan Earthquake Reconstruction and Taiwanese Businessperson" to earthquake disaster areas in Wenzhou, Sichuan Province.
July 18, 2009
The Straits Exchange Foundation and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait jointly hold a seminar in Shenzhen for Taiwanese businesspeople. During the seminar, Taiwanese businesspeople and representatives of Taiwanese-funded enterprises present views and suggestions on strengthening cross-strait economic cooperation, helping Taiwanese-funded enterprises resolve difficulties and develop, and joining hands to meet the international financial crisis.
July 28, 2009
An ARATS media exchange delegation visits the SEF and attends a meeting on cross-strait news exchanges. During the meeting, SEF Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian states that further progress by the two sides toward peaceful development depends not only on the formal negotiation mechanism between the SEF and the ARATS, but also on the constant expansion of an effect of a virtuous cycle by fully developing the power of positive reporting by the cross-strait media.
Yang Yi, director of the Department of Information under the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, expresses the hope that the two sides can normalize cross-strait media exchanges and promptly realize the mutual establishment of permanent media offices on each other's side under the principle of handling easy issues first and difficult issues later.
July 29, 2009
SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung states that since Taiwan announced measures for indirect cross-strait trade and investment, there have remained many economic and trade matters that need to be discussed. After the talks on these economic and trade issues have been completed, cultural and educational exchanges will become the topics of future cross-strait negotiations.
August 2, 2009
An ARATS media exchange delegation headed by Yang Yi, director of the Department of Information under mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office, concludes its Taiwan visit and returns to the Mainland.
August 4, 2009
The "18th Seminar on Cross-Strait Relations" is held in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province under the theme of "Opportunities and Challenges for the Peaceful Development of Cross-Strait Relations."
August 10, 2009
ARATS sends two letters to the SEF conveying its sympathy for the victims of Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan. It also expresses the Mainland's willingness to provide any support needed by the Taiwan side.
August 10, 2009
The SEF sends a reply letter to ARATS expressing thanks for the Mainland's condolences over the losses suffered by Taiwan from Typhoon Morakot. The SEF also expresses deep concern and sympathy to the Mainland side for losses suffered in mainland China due to the typhoon.
August 12, 2009
ARATS donates RMB106 million and HKD 5 million to victims of Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan.
August 14, 2009
On behalf of the ROC government, the SEF expresses appreciation to the ARATS for its donation of prefabricated houses to accommodate disaster victims.
August 18, 2009
With coordination through the SEF, the Mainland sends the first shipment of rescue goods and materials to Kaohsiung. SEF Spokesperson and Deputy Secretary-General Ma Shao-chang expresses sincere thanks on behalf of the government and people to the Mainland side for its care and concern.
August 19, 2009
During a meeting with ARATS Vice Secretary-General Ma Xiaoguang, SEF Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian expresses thanks on behalf of the government and disaster victims for the active assistance provided by the Mainland side.
August 19, 2009
During a meeting with SEF Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian, ARATS Vice Secretary-General Ma Xiaoguang expresses hope that the SEF can inform the Mainland side of any further disaster relief goods and materials needed, including food, materials, or heavy transport helicopters for emergency disaster relief work. The Mainland will make every effort to supply these items.
August 21, 2009
The ARATS sends a letter to the SEF informing that the first group of three Mainland technical personnel will arrive in Kaohsiung on the evening of August 22. It also states that the Mainland side is willing to continue to provide relief goods, materials, and machinery (including civil helicopters). Moreover, medical, rescue and engineer teams can be sent through the appropriate channels to assist Taiwan with the disaster relief and reconstruction work.
August 23, 2009
The SEF sends a letter to ARATS informing that the prefabricated houses donated by the Mainland meets qualifications. It also expresses appreciation to the ARATS for its letter of sympathy and condolences for the victims of Typhoon Morakot.
August 24, 2009
ARATS Vice Secretary-General Ma Xiaoguang visits the SEF to present a donation of US$30,000 on behalf of the association for the disaster-struck Xiaolin Village of Jiaxian Township in Kaohsiung County.
September 1, 2009
During a meeting with a visiting delegation from the CPC Shanghai City Committee, SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung expresses thanks on behalf of the government and people to the Mainland side for its enthusiastic assistance during the disaster relief efforts.
September 4, 2009
During a reception with ARATS board member Li Lihui and a visiting financial inspection delegation of members of the Bank of China, SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung states that the two sides should strengthen cooperation in the financial industry. On behalf of the disaster victims of the August 8 Floods and the Taiwan government, Chairman Chiang also expresses appreciation to the delegation for its donation of NT$900,000 for disaster relief.
September 17, 2009
At the opening ceremony for the 2009 Taiwan Trade Fair in Nanjing, ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin says that the two sides have steadily been in the process of contacts and negotiations on the issue of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). This issue can be discussed at the fourth Chiang-Chen Talks once preparations have been complete.
September 23, 2009
At a joint meeting of the SEF's seventh-term board of directors and supervisors, SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung states that the fourth Chiang-Chen Talks will be held in Taiwan at the end of this year. The two sides are now both making plans according to the established schedule and will successively begin talks on related operational matters.
October 4, 2009
During the dinner banquet for the Mid-Autumn Festival gathering held for Taiwanese businesspeople in the Mainland, SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung states that the fourth Chiang-Chen Talks to be held at the end of 2009 will focus on four issues, including fishery labor cooperation, quarantine and inspection of agricultural products, standards inspection and cooperation, and avoidance of double taxation. There are still many issues that the two sides need to discuss in the future. He also notes that the government is actively planning and promoting the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) in order to prevent Taiwan's marginalization in the course of international and regional economic integration and ensure that Taiwan's products receive equal treatment around the world.
October 13, 2009
The SEF issues a press release stating that SEF Vice Chairman and Secretary-general Kao Koong-lian and ARATS Executive Vice Chairman Zheng Lizhong will meet in Hangzhou on October 13 for procedural talks on issues related to the fourth Chiang-Chen Talks.
October 28, 2009
An "SEF Media Exchange Delegation" led by SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung meets with ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
November 3, 2009
SEF Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian and ARATS Executive Vice Chairman Zheng Lizhong hold a second round of procedural consultations for the upcoming fourth Chiang-Chen Talks. The two sides decide that they will hold formal preparatory consultations before the fourth talks in late December this year and following any additional procedural consultations held as needed.
November 5, 2009
ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin meets in Hengyang, Hunan, with SEF Vice Chairman Hsu Sheng-hsiung and Taiwan business representatives attending the Fifth Conference on Hunan-Taiwan Economic and Trade Exchanges and Cooperation.
November 13, 2009
SEF Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian visits Taichung to call on Taichung City Mayor Jason Hu and to thank Taichung City for its extensive assistance in holding the fourth Chiang-Chen Talks. Vice Chairman and Secretary-general Kao Koong-lian also leads a group of SEF personnel to inspect related sites.
November 15, 2009
SEF Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian meets with the "Cultural and Educational Exchange Delegation" led by ARATS Vice Chairman Wang Zaixi for extensive discussions on cross-strait cultural and educational exchanges. Vice Chairman Kao states that, for many years, Taiwan has prioritized cultural affairs in cross-strait exchanges because, while cross-strait economic and trade complementarity is high, cultural complementarity is even higher. As the two sides strengthen economic and trade exchanges, they should also increase media, cultural and educational exchanges.
December 10, 2009
SEF Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian and ARATS Permanent Vice President Zheng Lizhong hold the fourth vice chairman (vice president) level preparatory talks in Fuzhou, Fujian. The two sides decide that the Fourth Chiang-Chen Talks will be held in Taichung City from December 21 to 25. They also exchange views on the issues and agreements for the Fourth Chen-Chiang Talks.
December 10, 2009
During the fourth vice chairman (vice president) level preparatory talks, ARATS Permanent Vice President Zheng Lizhong states that the ARATS will donate RMB300 million to the SEF for reconstructing bridges, schools and other public facilities in disaster-hit areas of Taiwan.
December 17, 2009
During a press conference before the Fourth Chiang-Chen Talks, SEF Chairman Chiang says that the significance of the Talks can be described as "carrying out equal negotiations, working for the welfare of the people, creating a sound environment, and achieving sustainable development."
December 18, 2009
ARATS President Chen Yunlin states that the holding of the second round of talks between the leaders of the SEF and the ARATS in Taiwan is an indication of a gradually maturing institutionalized negotiation mechanism between the two sides. The holding of the SEF-ARATS negotiations in the Mainland and Taiwan in rotation amply demonstrates equal negotiations, mutual respect and goodwill communication between the ARATS and the SEF. He also states that signing the Cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) is a purely economic issue aimed at promoting joint economic development across the Taiwan Strait, improving joint welfare of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, and realizing mutual benefit and a win-win situation. It does not involve any politically sensitive issues. Mainland China is willing to begin specialized negotiations through the SEF and the ARATS and will also fully respect the views from the Taiwan side.
December 21, 2009
In a speech presented at the SEF-ARATS preparatory discussions, SEF Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian expresses three hopes for future cross-strait negotiations: the hope that the two sides can shelve controversies, negotiate pragmatically, and not over-politicize matters; that the Mainland can fully display the wisdom of benevolence, and fully respect the thoughts of the Taiwan people; and that the Mainland can consider the scale disparity between the two sides and keep an eye on the big picture.
December 22, 2009
At the fourth round of talks between the leaders of the SEF and the ARATS, the two sides signed three agreements—the "Cross-Strait Arrangement on Cooperation of Agricultural Product Quarantine and Inspection," "Cross-Strait Agreement on Cooperation in Respect of Standards, Metrology, Inspection and Accreditation," and "Cross-Strait Agreement on the Cooperation in Respect of Fishing Crew Affairs." To date, the SEF and the ARATS have signed 12 agreements and reached one consensus.
December 22, 2009
During a briefing on the results of the Fourth Chiang-Chen Talks, SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung states that in the current phase, cross-strait negotiations will promote relations under the principles of "economic issues first and political issues later, urgent issues first and less pressing issues later, and easy issues first and difficult issues later" so that cross-strait exchanges and interactions can continue to advance on a more solid, systematic foundation. Regarding the issue of cooperation on the avoidance of double taxation and strengthening of tax cooperation issue, follow-up negotiations will be promptly arranged through the SEF and the ARATS to facilitate a timely agreement and complete the signing. The Cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) will be the main promotion issue in the next round of talks. Intellectual property right protection will also be one of the negotiation issues for the fifth talks.
December 22, 2009
During a meeting with MAC Minister Lai Shin-yuan, ARATS President Chen Yunlin states that in the current and future phases, economic issues will remain the focus of SEF-ARATS talks. As the two sides promote cross-strait economic cooperation, the ARATS is also willing to gradually expand the scope of cultural, education, media, and technological exchanges with the SEF.