MAC Press Release No. 003
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Tai-san today (April 19, 2022) led a group of MAC senior officials to the Taoyuan City Government to meet with Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan. Minister Chiu explained the government's cross-Strait policy and discussed with the mayor issues such as cross-Strait exchanges and the government’s assistance and care for Hong Kong people in Taiwan. The two sides exchanged views and Minister Chiu listened to relevant advice from the municipal government in an effort to strengthen the central-local government partnership and consolidate consensus on cross-Strait affairs. Mayor Cheng also agreed to cooperate on related matters.
Minister Chiu emphasized that the current international situation is complex and sensitive and has profound implications for cross-Strait relations; however, "peace" is of the utmost importance. Minister Chiu indicated that the government has always supported cross-Strait exchanges based on parity, dignity, and existing laws and regulations, and without political preconditions. Local governments play an important role in assisting the central government to promote benign cross-Strait interactions. Advancing cross-Strait exchanges and interaction is conducive to mutual understanding; therefore, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait should communicate and engage in dialogue without setting any political frameworks. The meeting also discussed assistance for overseas Taiwanese businesses to reshore and invest back in Taiwan, regulations on exchanges and management, and so on. The MAC will act on the suggestions provided by the Taoyuan City Government and coordinate with other competent authorities to adopt those suggestions in policy-making.
Minister Chiu further stated that in response to changes of the situation in Hong Kong, the government has planned and has been promoting the "Hong Kong Humanitarian Aid Project" aside from establishing the “Taiwan-Hong Kong Office for Exchanges and Services.” However, the government is also conducting a comprehensive review of regulations and strengthening administrative measures to help new residents from Hong Kong blend in with Taiwanese society. During the meeting, the MAC and Taoyuan City Government also discussed establishment of a contact window to provide care and services related to the study, employment, investment, and other issues of concern to Hong Kong people in Taiwan. The MAC hopes that partnership between central and local governments will enhance the efficiency and quality of services to Hong Kong people in Taiwan, allowing them to settle down in Taiwan smoothly as new immigrants and adapt well to Taiwanese society.