Opening remarks for Symposium on the Mini-Three-Links: Review and Outlook 30th Anniversary of Cross-Strait Exchanges
Chang Hsiao-yueh
Minister
Mainland Affairs Council, Executive Yuan, Republic of China
September 30, 2017
Minister without Portfolio Chang Jing-sen, Deputy Magistrate of Kinmen County Wu Cherng-dean, Lienchiang County Magistrate Liu Cheng-ying, Representative of Penghu County Magistrate—Executive Officer Hung Tung-lin, Legislator Yang Cheng-wu, Legislator Chen Hsueh-sheng, Control Yuan Member Liu Te-hsun, distinguished experts of the cross-Strait Mini- -Three-Links, scholars, and government representatives, good day.
Welcome, everyone, to today's symposium. Among our distinguished participants today are representatives from the Kinmen, Lienchiang, and Penghu county governments, other relevant competent authorities, and the business and academic sectors. We also have the special honor to be joined by several of our predecessors and colleagues whose dedicated efforts gave birth to the Mini-Three-Links. Your presence adds to both the honor and meaning of this symposium. Thank you for coming.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of cross-Strait exchanges. Over these past three decades, the Mini-Three-Links have grown from nothing to become a dynamic channel for cross-Strait contact and play a major role in advancing cross-Strait relations. The Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) at that time, our current president Tsai Ing-wen, promoted the opening of the Mini-Three-Links policy to develop cross-Strait relations and care for the welfare of the people in the outlying island areas of Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu. This policy would usher in a new phase of cross-Strait relations and development in Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu. The Mini-Three-Links will turn 17 this year. During that time, nearly 17.3 million personnel exchanges and over 124,000 voyages have been made via the Mini-Three-Links. The development and prosperity of Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu during this period are also well recognized.
The MAC is holding this symposium to jointly review the history of the Mini-Three-Links, as well as to witness the changes brought to Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu through the achievements of the Mini-Three-Links. As we look at the evolution of the Mini-Three-Links, we will also explore ways to build on the existing foundation so that the Mini-Three-Links can bring more development opportunities to Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu. We also hope, through the initial trial and implementation of the Mini-Three-Links, to consider possible opportunities to breakthrough the current framework and limits in cross-Strait relations, and continue to move forward. The MAC is now reviewing Regulations Governing the Trial Operation of Transportation Links Between Kinmen/Matsu/Penghu and the Mainland Area. I hope that you can offer your valuable advice as an important reference for the deliberation of related laws and policies.
Since May 20 last year, cross-Strait relations have undergone changes and faced challenges. Nevertheless, the government attaches great importance to the pragmatic promotion of cross-Strait policies. It has repeatedly stressed that it will conduct cross-Strait affairs and maintain the peaceful and stable development of cross-Strait relations based on the existing historical facts and political foundation, and in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of China, the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, and other relevant legislation. It has also shown goodwill and flexibility to the other side. The Republic of China is a sovereign state. Our cross-Strait policy of maintaining the status quo has been consistent and firm. We are committed to shouldering the important responsibility to maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait and regional security. With regard to changes in the international situation, we will also closely watch US President Donald Trump's visit to mainland China. North Korea and US-China economic and trade relations both have a major impact on peace, stability, and security in the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, mainland China will soon hold its 19th Party Congress. We will also closely watch the new administration’s future policy and direction toward cross-Strait relations.
Over the past 30 years, the cross-Strait relationship has been influenced by Taiwan's thriving democracy and the people's insistence on freedom and democracy. We hope for the positive, progressive, and active development of cross-Strait relations. It will take the combined efforts of both sides. Sometimes, many things happen in a single thought. I hope that the other side can view our goodwill in a higher context and with a broader perspective and work together with us for the benefit of the people on both sides. During the Cold War period, Kinmen and Matsu stood at the frontline of the conflict. As the vanguard in the first trial and first implementation of the Mini-Three-Links, they are now on the frontline of peace. We hope that today's symposium can help to set a course for peaceful and stable development across the Taiwan Strait. I wish today's symposium the utmost success.