January 3, 2005
The Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait conveys its condolences to the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) upon the passing of the late SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu.
January 3, 2005
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) sends its gratitude to the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait for its letter expressing condolences upon the passing of the late SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu.
January 15, 2005
The cross-strait Lunar New Year charter flight negotiations are held in Macao. Both sides agreed on several matters, including: charter fights will be implemented from January 29 to February 20; ports of destinations in mainland China include Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou; ports of destinations in Taiwan include Taipei (CKS International Airport) and Kaohsiung (Hsiao-kang International Airport); both sides are allowed six airline companies to operate the flights, with each side responsible for 24 flights in both directions; and the flights do not need to stopover in a third location, but must fly over the Hong Kong Flight Information Region.
January 29, 2005
The first cross-strait Lunar New Year charter flights take off. A total of 18 aircraft operated by eight airlines from each side carry more than 2,000 passengers.
February 2, 2005
The Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) Vice Chairman Sun Yafu and Deputy Secretary-General Li Yafei, attend the memorial services of the late Dr. Koo Chen-fu. Before their departure at the airport, Li states his hope that the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) will reengage in cooperation with the ARATS on the foundation of the "1992 Consensus" and under the SEF's founding principles of "being Chinese," of "extending goodwill," and of "rendering service."
March 1, 2005
When the fishing vessel Sea Dragon 001 from Su-Ao Harbor of Ilan County broke apart and sank 45 nautical miles off Cape Fukui in Tamsui, five people died and two went missing. Among them, six were mainland Chinese fishermen. The Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait wrote the Taiwan-based Peoples' Service Center across Taiwan Strait requesting it to ask relevant parties in Taiwan to assist in the post-incident work. The Fujian Red Cross also communicated with the Red Cross organization in Taiwan.
March 31, 2005
Jia Qinglin, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Chairman of the People's Political Consultative Conference, said that the 1992 Consensus, which was based on the one-China principle, should be realized, and that both sides should resume talks based on the 1992 Consensus so as to improve and develop cross-strait relations.
April 6, 2005
Pu Zhaozhou, Executive Director of the China Civil Aviation Association and Vice Chairman of the board of directors of the mainland-based Straits Aviation Exchange Commission, mentions in a congratulatory letter to the Taipei Airline Association the hope that a new round of talks with his Taiwanese counterparts will be conducted soon. Pu hopes to discuss matters concerning the charter flights such as "holiday flights," "weekend fights," and "regular flights."
April 13, 2005
Mainland Affairs Council Spokesperson Michael Y.L. You states that although the Chinese authorities acknowledge that cross-straits issues should be handled through the exercise of government authority and that they should conduct negotiations with the Taiwanese government, they have also deliberately avoided interacting with the Taiwanese government. In the political arena, they have always created division in Taiwan through intentionally employing united front and splitting tactics, which have emphasized the blind spot in Chinese conscious. This is the real obstacle in cross-strait exchanges.
April 13, 2005
The Spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office under China's State Council states at a regular press briefing that they are willing to find new negotiations approaches to resolve issues with all the political parties, organizations, and representatives from Taiwan that identify with the "1992 Consensus," oppose "Taiwanese independence," and advocate the development of cross-strait relations. They are welcome to visit China for exchanges and dialogues, and to exchange views on the cross-strait "Three-Links," the establishment of Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) and other issues that are of concern to all compatriots, and to jointly promote for the improvement and development of cross-strait relations.
April 16, 2005
Director Chen Yunlin of the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council states through a news release that China will take up a more relaxed policy toward cross-strait news exchanges, and will actively encourage media agencies from each side of the Strait to station on the other side.
May 2, 2005
In the course of his "Ocean Partners Sunshine Trip," President Chen Shui-bian reiterates that official cross-strait contacts, dialogues, consultations, and negotiations can resume any time, as long as they are conducted based on the principles of democracy, peace, and parity. At the same time, in order to reduce cross-strait tensions, he emphasized that it is imperative to build Confidence Building Measures through cross-strait consultations as soon as possible.
May 3, 2005
China's Taiwan Affairs Office Deputy Director Wang Zaixi indicates at a press briefing that on the basis of the "one China" principle, both sides can prioritize the discussion on ending hostility. As long as both sides can sit down to negotiate based on the "one China" principle, any issue can be discussed, including the issue on ballistic missiles.
May 4, 2005
MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the MAC will promote any matters condusive to cross-strait exchanges, including the possibility of a meeting between Chen Shui-bian and Hu Jintao. Both sides of the Strait should sit down to talk, but only under the principles of democracy, peace and parity.
June 7, 2005
MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that because of his personality, working style, and political experiences, Chang Chun-hsiung has always advocated replacing confrontation with reconciliation. Therefore, his appointment as chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation would certainly help improve cross-strait relations and China's views on the Democratic Progressive Party and on cross-strait relations. Chairman Wu states that Chang will also serve as the chief representative in cross-strait negotiations on political issues. With regard to other diverse negotiation issues, the government will entrust other institutions and agencies to serve as representatives.
June 13, 2005
While attending a gathering of Taiwanese businessmen's associations in China, Premier Frank Hsieh announces that the government will entrust the Taipei Airlines Association to assist in contacting China to make negotiation arrangements on the cross-strait cargo charter flights. The charter flights will be implemented based on the guiding principle that they will be "two-way, reciprocal, and non-stop." The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is also designated to assist in contacting China to make arrangements for Taiwanese agricultural exports to China. Moreover, an appropriate agency will be entrusted to arrange matters regarding the visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists.
June 14, 2005
MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu emphasizes that with regard to matters that involve the government's exercise of authority, we will insist that governent officials "substantively participate" in the negotiations process. Pragmatic and flexible measures may be taken in the terms of the form and name to be used in the process.
June 14, 2005
MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that by establishing comprehensive accompanying measures, the Taiwanese government will prioritize the promotion of three issues that will require cross-strait negotiations. The three issures are; "cargo charter flights," "Taiwanese agricultural exports to China," and "visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists." If the Chinese authorities make a positive and concrete response, then cross-strait negotiations can be conducted. This is aimed at facilitating the related arrangements.
June 15, 2005
China's Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Li Weiyi indicates at a regular press briefing that China hopes Taiwan will allow civic organizations to make contact and arrangement for the cross-strait direct transportation links. "At the same time, we are also willing to conduct various exchanges of views on the cross-strait cargo charter flights." "To facilitate cross-strait interactions and tourism, the passenger charter flights have become the most pragmatic and the most pressing problem that need to be solved."
Li Weiyi points out that the Association for Cross-Straits Economic and Trade Exchanges under China's Ministry of Commerce has extended invitations on June 1 to Taiwan's Provincial Farmers' Association and other agricultural organizations in Taiwan to organize a delegation to Beijing to conduct negotiations on the technical aspects of the implementation of zero-tariff importation of Taiwanese fruits.
July 1, 2005
Straits Exchange Foundation Chairman Chang Chun-hsiung indicates in an exclusive interview that there is a need for institutionalized cross-strait negotiations to break the deadlock across the Strait. Chang states that since cross-strait dialogue is so important, the complicated political issues such as the "1992 Consensus" and the "one China" principle must be set aside first to facilitate more contacts and dialogues.
July 6, 2005
Premier Frank Hsieh indicates in an Executive Yuan session that both sides of the Strait must seriously address the joint anti-crime crackdown and conduct negotiations as soon as possible. Both sides should not let the cross-strait political situation become a shelter for criminals. Further efforts should be made to deal with matters such as the regular mutual visits between law enforcers, mechanism for mutual exchange of information on crime cases, and arrest and repatriation of wanted criminals, Negotiations with China must be conducted as soon as possible.
July 18, 2005
Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu emphasizes that in the future MAC will make efforts to invite the Chinese officials to negotiate on substantive issues, including the joint anti!Vcrime crackdown, repatriation of stowaways, establishment of a currency settlement mechanism, signing of an agreement to protect China-bound investments by Taiwanese businessmen, avoidance of double taxation, and creation of a financial supervision and management mechanism. He states that as long as China does not set any preconditions, Taiwan is willing to negotiate with China on any non-political issues. Based on this, both sides can gradually move toward discussing political issues.
July 28, 2005
MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu announces that the government has officially authorized the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) to further communicate with the relevant Chinese agencies on issues related to the export of fresh fruits to China and implementation of facilitation measures. It is hoped that after Taiwan has a better understanding of China's intentions and related policies, both sides can conduct negotiations in time and make appropriate arrangements.
July 29, 2005
MAC Spokesperson Michael Y. L. You indicates at a regular press briefing that the key issues in cross-strait exchanges must still be addressed by exercising government authority, or authorized agencies by both governments. Only when both sides sincerely conduct face-to-face dialogues and make related arrangements will the negotiations be properly conducted in the end.
August 3, 2005
Premier Frank Hsieh announces the approval for implementing cross-strait direct cargo charter flights and direct passenger charter flights during special holidays, and authorizing certain agencies to conduct simultaneous negotiations with China on the cargo and passenger charter flights.
August 12, 2005
MAC Vice Chairman and Spokesperson Michael Y. L. You announces during a regular press briefing that the government has officially written the Taipei Airlines Association on August 2, 2005, authorizing it to serve as the window for handling simultaneous negotiations on cross-strait cargo and passenger charter flights, and to conduct initial contacts and arrange the related matters.
August 16, 2005
A MAC press release indicates that the statement released by the Chinese State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Chen Yunlin on August 16, 2005, regarding the cross-strait cargo and passenger charter flights has in essence responded to Premier Frank Hsieh's statement on August 3. MAC welcomes Chen's response and hopes that China would do what it says by commencing negotiations with Taiwan on matters related to the cargo and passenger charter flights as soon as possible.
September 2, 2005
The relevant departments of China's General Administration of Civil Aviation approves the applications of four Taiwanese airline companies, EVA Air, China Airlines, UNI Air, and Mandarin Airlines, to fly over China's territorial air space.
September 3, 2005
MAC Spokesperson Michael Y. L. You welcomes China's approval of the application of four Taiwanese airline companies to fly over China's territorial air-space and hopes that this positive interaction will extend to the negotiations on the cargo and passenger charter flights and facilitate early preparations.
September 19, 2005
An MAC press release indicates that to further promote normalized cross-strait trade and economic relations and implement comprehensive, direct, and bi-directional trade exchanges, the Chinese authorities must first adjust their flawed policies toward Taiwan and stop all inappropriate actions aimed at dividing Taiwan. Moreover, they must make an active, positive, and concrete response to the negotiation of the three priority issues proposed by Taiwan. These issues are: the cargo and passenger charter flights, Taiwan's agricultural exports to China, and visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists. This is aimed at gradually guiding cross-strait relations back on track and launching a new era of cross-strait communication and negotiations.
September 28, 2005
China's Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Li Weiyi indicates at a regular press conference that the length of time that Taiwanese reporters are allowed to station and cover news in China is immediately extended from one month to three months.
September 29, 2005
MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates at the Legislative Yuan that with regard to any Chinese officials coming to Taiwan for exchanges, MAC's policy is to handle all matters according to the standard procedures.
October 4, 2005
The Straits Exchange Foundation issues a letter of condolance through the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait to disaster victims in the Fujian area following Typhoon Longwang.
October 13, 2005
In an interview at the forum on "Old Challenges and New Developments in Asia Pacific Security," MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu notes that China's leader Hu Jintao once said that, "[China] will do anything in its power and do it well as long as it is beneficial to the people of Taiwan." The negotiations currently proposed by Taiwan are beneficial not only to the people of Taiwan, but also to the people of China and cross-strait relations. China should therefore earnestly begin negotiations with Taiwan on various issues.
October 25, 2005
At an assembly marking the 60th anniversary of Taiwan's retrocession from Japan, Standing Politburo member Jia Qinglin states that, "We are willing, on the basis of the "1992 Consensus" to engage in dialogue and negotiations with any person or any party and on any issue.
November 1, 2005
A MAC news release indicates that a delegation headed by China National Tourism Administration Director Shao Qiwei was visiting Taiwan to inspect tourist spots and facilities upon the invitation of the Taiwan Visitors Association and the approval of government authorities. Therefore, MAC urges all sectors in society to view the visit with a generous heart and a friendly attitude. In addition, MAC pleads to the public to support the government in the facilitation of the visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists, in order to achieve the goal of mutual benefits and create a "win-win" situation across the Strait.
November 3, 2005
MAC Vice Chairman David W. F. Huang indicates that Pu Zhaozhou, Director of the Office of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs under the General Administration of the Civil Aviation of China, has written Taipei Airlines Association Chairman Tony Fan for an invitation to conduct negotiations on the Lunar New Year cross-strait charter flights, as well as on the cargo and passenger charter flights. MAC believes that Pu's letter can prove that the authorized agencies on both sides of the Strait have tacitly agreed to maintain communications.
November 4, 2005
A MAC news release indicates that the promotion of cross-strait cargo and passenger charter flights is an established policy of the ROC government. Premier Frank Hsieh has also made policy announcements on June 13 and August 3, 2005. In response, MAC has already commissioned the Taipei Airlines Association to undertake initial contacts with China, while other agencies are working hard to facilitate discussions on related issues. Despite different positions and considerations during the negotiations of the Lunar New Year charter flights held at Macao in 2005, both sides reached a consensus on the "two-way, reciprocal and non-stop" approach which led to the smooth implementation of the charter flights. This proves that as long as China and Taiwan can adhere to the same spirit and work together, we are confident that both sides can complete the 2006 Lunar New Year charter flights negotiations earlier as well as cross-strait cargo and passenger charter flights with satisfactory results.
November 6, 2005
With regard to the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT)'s invitation of China's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Chen Yunlin to visit Taiwan in December, MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the invitation was proposed by the KMT think tank, so it is considered a cultural and educational exchange. However, as a senior ranking official in charge of China's Taiwan policies, Chen Yunlin's extraordinary identity necessitates the Immigration Office's activation of the joint review procedures for his entry application in consideration of security maintenance and smooth itinerary arrangements. China must authorize personnel to communicate with the Taiwanese Government, or to base on the previous experience of mutual negotiations between the Straits Exchange Foundation and the Association for Relations across the Taiwan Straits in preparation for the previous Koo-Wang meeting, so that they can conduct the necessary negotiations. The MAC firmly insists on conducting these negotiations, which shall constitute a necessary procedure for the approval of the application. Even if Chen Yunlin applies to visit Taiwan in the capacity as a civic scholar, there must be communications and arrangements between both governments since the party concerned is a high-ranking official of China.
November 6, 2005
A MAC news release indicates that upon the invitation of the Taiwan Visitors Association (TVA), Director Shao Qiwei of the China National Tourism Administration is leading a delegation to visit Taiwan for a very simple purpose. TVA as well as the industry representatives and service personnel receiving the delegation at each site hosted the visitors with the utmost hospitality and showed them the most beautiful facets of Taiwan. MAC would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge that all the public support has been a major factor in the progress achieved to date in facilitating the visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists.
November 11, 2005
MAC issues a news release indicating that based on the itinerary proposed in their application, it is apparent that Chen Yunlin is intentionally avoiding contacts with our government agencies. At the moment, we do not see how this visit will have any positive impact on cross-strait relations. Prior to the visit to China by former Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Koo Chen-fu in 1998 and Mr. Wang Daohan's scheduled visit to Taiwan in 1999, both trips went through extensive and careful planning by government agencies on both sides of the Strait. This was aimed at making necessary preparations which included several official negotiations between SEF and ARATS, channels authorized by both governments. Koo and Wang were non-government officials authorized by their respective governments to engage in activities under such arrangement. Therefore, there is an even greater need for government agencies on both sides to discuss the proposed visit to Taiwan by Chen Yunlin and his delegation of TAO officials. Since a large group of TAO officials plans to visit Taiwan, we will invite them to send representatives and begin official negotiation. If China has difficulty in this matter, we could send representatives to negotiate with them. This is a prerequisite procedure before the government can make a complete review of this trip.
November 14, 2005
The Straits Exchange Foundation writes the Association for Relations across the Taiwan Straits indicating its hope to conduct negotiations on the visit to Taiwan by China's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Chen Yunlin. The letter states that if China has any difficulty regarding this matter, then Taiwan can send representatives to China to conduct negotiations.
November 14, 2005
The Kinmen Coastal Patrol under the Coast Guard Administration meets resistance and is attacked by one of the vessels, Min-Chin Fishing Vessel No. 0242, when the Coast Patrol enforces the "Clear Sky Special Program" driving away two Chinese fishing vessels going beyond the border. The Chinese fishermen, together with their fishing vessels, are charged for violating the Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area and the Criminal Law for obstructing public affairs. The case has been submitted to the Office of the Prosecutor at Kinmen for investigation.
November 16, 2005
Airline associations from both sides of the Strait meet in Macao for a joint discussion of matters pertaining to the Lunar New Year charter flights in 2006.
November 16, 2005
MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates at the Legislative Yuan that the MAC is requesting both sides of the Strait to conduct negotiations first before Chen Yunlin can come to Taiwan to attend the forum between the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Rather than obstructing cross-strait exchanges, this is aimed at establishing normalized cross-strait procedures through negotiations. If the Taiwanese government agrees not to set any negotiation conditions, then the government authority and national security will be jeopardized. Therefore, negotiation is "a necessary procedure."
November 16, 2005
A MAC news release indicates that according to various information sources, cases of bird flu outbreaks have recently been discovered in eleven provinces in China. At present, Chinese officials have only offered partial and unclear explanations for only a handful of cases. Only six provinces made partial public announcements regarding the bird flu epidemic situation. The lack of action is clearly a dangerous signal for the global campaign against the spread of the disease. MAC reiterates that the government has the responsibility to guarantee the health and safety of its people. The Taiwanese government has already made necessary preparations to prevent the outbreak of bird flu. Due to close cross-strait interactions and frequent personnel exchanges, the Chinese authorities need to be more diligent and active in their approach when dealing with the complete disclosure of information related to the outbreak of bird flu in China. This is the only way to ensure that China does not become a fatal weak link in the global defenses against the spread of bird flu.
November 17, 2005
With regard to China's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Chen Yunlin and other TAO officials' application to visit Taiwan, the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) is authorized again by the government to write to the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) after making the initial contact on November 14, 2005. It is hoped that the ARATS can relay pertinent information and make a clear response as soon as possible to facilitate the handling of follow-up matters.
November 18, 2005
The Red Cross organizations across the Strait cooperate in the repatriation of the Taiwanese crew of the Kaohsiung-registered "Hsiang-Chuan-Shun" fishing vessel, which was knocked over on November 9, 2005
by a moving freighter when it was engaged in fishing activities at a sea area off Kinmen.
November 18, 2005
The Straits Exchange Foundation writes to convey its sympathy to the victims of the earthquake in the areas of Jiujiang and Ruichang in Jiangxi Province, which led to deaths and major losses.
November 18, 2005
The MAC announces that on the foundation of this year's Lunar New Year charter flights, the planning of similar charter flights will be allowed to proceed with stopovers in Hong Kong. The charter flight period for the 2006 Lunar New Year will be from January 20 to February 13, 2006, totaling 25 days. Relevant arrangements will be handled according to the operation model used for the 2005 Lunar New Year charter flights. However, the destination points in China will be expanded to include Xiamen in addition to Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou. The number of flights will be increased from 48 to 72 (36 flights from each side of the Strait); and the scope of qualified passengers will be expanded to include not only the responsible persons and employees of Taiwanese companies and their dependents as in 2005, but also any resident of the Taiwan Area holding a legal entry and exit permit issued by both sides.
November 18, 2005
The MAC issues a news release indicating that with regard to China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) Director Chen Yunlin's plan to lead a 61-member delegation of TAO officials to Taiwan to attend the "Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum" at the invitation of the National Policy Foundation, the "Joint Review Meeting on Visits to Taiwan by Mainland Professionals" was convened by the Immigration Office of the National Police Agency, Ministry of the Interior. It was decided to deny permission for the proposed visit for reasons of "present situation of cross-strait relations," "international practice," and "objective of improving cross-strait relations."
November 29, 2005
The aviation agreement signed between the Taipei Airlines Association (Taiwan) and Air Macau (Macau) expires on November 29, 2005. Both sides will sign a renewal document today to extend the validity of the current agreement to May 30, 2006. During this period, a new bilateral agreement will replace the existing agreement once both sides reach a consensus.
November 29, 2005
The MAC publishes the results of a public opinion survey, showing that 85.4 percent of the population supports the statement "when Taiwan's political parties engage in cross-strait exchanges with China, they should prioritize the protection of Taiwan's interests." As to visits to Taiwan by high-ranking Chinese officials, as high as 74.4 percent of the respondents believe that any issue involving the rights and interests of the Taiwanese people should be discussed first with the government. In addition, more than half (54.9 percent) of the population agrees that the government should play a leading role in cross-strait negotiations. This is aimed at taking Taiwan's overall interests into consideration.
November 29, 2005
The World Trade Organization Informal Leaders' Summit discusses the draft of the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration. The Chinese delegation proposes that the draft Declaration must have an independent paragraph stating that "new member countries" can be eligible for more flexible treatment (i.e. reduced tariff cuts). Taiwanese delegate Lin Yi-fu speaks in support of China's suggestion.
December 1, 2005
MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu announces that the government of Taiwan has allowed Hong Kong's Wen Wei Po to station reporters in Taiwan and welcomes Wen Wei Po to quickly complete stationing procedures. The Council expresses that if other Hong Kong or China media were interested in stationing reporters in Taiwan, it would be happy to see such plans realized.
December 2, 2005
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) convenes its Sixth Joint Meeting of the Board of Directors and Supervisory Board. The meeting approves the reappointment of Chang Chun-hsiung and Michael You as chairman and vice chairman respectively.
December 5, 2005
MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu states to the media in Washington D.C. that the government of Taiwan is now considering the establishment of new private organization to serve as Taiwan's counterpart to the private "Association of travel exchange for both sides of the straits," which was recently established and entrusted by the Chinese government to handle negotiations on allowing cross-strait tourism. Chairman Wu appeals for the two sides to adopt the Macao model in cross-strait negotiations with the presence of government officials at the negotiating table. He says that if many economic and trade issues can be discussed according to the Macao model, then Taiwan can find concrete and flexible methods to work out issues that are beneficial to both sides.
December 5, 2005
SEF forms a "Volunteer Lawyer Team" consist of knowledgeable lawyers of cross-strait legal affairs. The volunteer lawyers will serve on a rotational basis and provide answers to questions of the public regarding cross-strait laws.
December 7, 2005
According to a survey by the Chinese National Federation of Industries, 63% of all Taiwanese entrepreneurs expect business to be good in 2006. However, the ratio of respondents planning to reduce investments in the up coming year surpassed 5% for the first time. This is has rarely occurred in the surveys over the years.
December 9, 2005
At a press briefing, MAC Vice Chairman David W.F. Huang notes that Article 9-1 of the "Act Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" stipulates that people of the Taiwan area may not have household registrations in the mainland area or hold mainland passports. Those who do will automatically lose their status as a resident of the ROC in the Taiwan area.
December 11, 2005
MAC Chairman Jaushieh Joseph Wu indicates that the Shanwei incident shows that many hidden unstable factors exist in China. If protest incidents continue to occur in China, it could affect cross-strait relations and Taiwan should pay close attention.
December 13, 2005
The MAC publishes Know Thyself, Know Others. The book hopes to provide a comprehensive understanding of the internal situation in China. The book covers four major areas, including social conditions, travel and overseas study, living environment, and business and investment.
December 14, 2005
The MAC says that the Taiwanese government will remain committed to promoting cross-strait policy based on the principle of "peace and development" in the future. However, with regard to the adoption of concrete measures to promote cross-strait exchanges and interactions, the government will remain open to various suggestions and promote measures that serve the overall interests of Taiwan. The Council hopes that China will not unilaterally or falsely interpret the will of the Taiwanese people. With regard to the group application submitted by China's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Chen Yunlin and his delegation to visit Taiwan, the Council emphasizes that this case has high political significance. This case can only be handled appropriately through official cross-strait negotiations. However, as China has not made any positive response to date, it is only natural that this application cannot be permitted.
December 16, 2005
The MAC announces the results of a public opinion survey showing that 52.3% of the Taiwan public supports a moderate relaxing of the "mini-three-links" to conditionally allow Taiwanese people to travel to China via this route. However, about 50.1% worry that complete relaxation of the Kinmen and Matsu areas as the channel for cross-strait travel will affect national security. Moreover, 71.8% worry that it will jeopardize Taiwan's efforts to prevent the spread of epidemic diseases.
December 16, 2005
Public security agencies in Guangdong Province arrest and repatriate Chen Kuan-hsin and Chang Chi-sheng to Taiwan, who are both wanted for major criminal offenses.
December 19, 2005
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) holds the "Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Cultural Forum." The original decision of a Joint Review Meeting convened by the Immigration Office of the National Police Agency, Ministry of the Interior (MOI), to deny permission for a proposed visit by Director Chen Yunlin of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, is upheld against an appeal by KMT. The MOI recently submitted a written response to the Petitions and Appeals Committee of the Executive Yuan for consideration. The committee overturned KMT's appeal.
December 20, 2005
With regards to the Hong Kong police's detention of Taiwanese individuals participating in demonstrations during the Sixth WTO Ministerial Conference, MAC states that it has gained thorough understanding of the case and has immediately instructed its Hong Kong Affairs Bureau to provide assistance. Premier Frank Hsieh specifically instructed MAC to make every effort to handle the case properly. All the effort eventually led to the successful release of 11 of the 12 detainees between Dec. 19 and the morning of Dec. 20. At present, only Lee Chien-cheng, a political science student at National Taiwan University (NTU), remains in custody. The MAC also expresses that it will exert all effort in the handling of this case.
December 23, 2005
The Hong Kong court rules that NTU political science student Lee Chien-cheng, who was detained by the Hong Kong police for participating in demonstrations during the Sixth WTO Ministerial Conference, will be released on bail and return to Taiwan.
December 24, 2005
Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) Chairman Wang Daohan passes away at 7:00 a.m. on Dec. 24, 2005. The MAC expresses its condolences and the SEF sends a letter of condolence to ARATS.
December 26, 2005
With regards to major bird flu outbreaks in China, MAC says that while the authorities in China have gone public about the epidemic, the announcements have been delayed. This has led to skepticism within the neighboring countries and relevant international organizations regarding the Chinese government's disclosure of the epidemic. In response to the epidemic in China, disease prevention agencies in Taiwan have drafted a "Mobilization and Preparatory Plan for Bird Flu Prevention." The government will rigorously control the spread of the disease and devote its effort to maintain Taiwan as a bird flu-free area.
December 28, 2005
The ARATS sends a letter to the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) asking that the Foundation to respect the wishes of the family of the late Chairman Wang Daohan with regards to the funeral arrangements.
December 30, 2005
The ARATS sends a letter to SEF conveying the gratitude of the family of the late ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan for SEF's condolences.