| Subjects: |
- New MAC chairperson; Hong Kong visa for new representative; Mainland Scholar in Taiwan.
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MAC Vice Chairman Chong-Pin Lin
at the April 21, 2000 Press Conference
His Report:
1. The winners of the Third Outstanding Awards for Organizations Promoting Cross-Strait Cultural and Educational Exchanges have been announced. The winners include the Chinese Youth Mainland Research Cultural and Education Foundation and 32 other organizations.
2. Under the sponsorship of the Chinese Development Fund, the Tung Hwa University organized the "Forum for Young Scholars of the Two Sides -- Seminar on Global Value Systems of Young People," which will run from April 20-28 in the College of Arts of the university.
Questions and Answers:
Q. Professor Tsai Ing-wen has been selected the new chairperson of the Mainland Affairs Council. What is MAC's response?
A. As spokesman of MAC, I wish to express my sincere welcome to and full support for Professor Tsai on behalf of all staff members of this council. I personally believe that this selection indicated the wisdom and vision of President-elect Chen Shui-bian and his team. At this particular moment, Prof. Tsai is the best candidate to assume the position as MAC chairperson. She is regarded to have strong proficiency in international affairs, with solid professionalism, that will facilitate a smooth personnel transition.
With regard to international affairs, Prof. Tsai has chaired many (government) committees on WTO affairs, with outstanding professionalism. She spent many years travelling between different countries and obtained a deep understanding of international affairs. In terms of professionalism, especially WTO affairs, none in the local community can compare with her. With respect to the personnel transition, although Ms. Tsai has always kept a low-profile, she has engaged in the planning and coordination of many government policies and decisions in her capacity as (a cabinet-level) advisor to the National Security Council. Her appointment as the chairperson of this Council is regarded as appropriate.
Personally, I highly appreciate her style of keeping a low profile and doing things very pragmatically. These comments are made on behalf of MAC and myself.
Q. President-elect Chen Shui-bian, while calling on Sun Yuen-hsuan, senior presidential advisor, said that the two sides (of the Taiwan Strait) could unify under the "confederation" model, provided that the entire people approved such arrangement. What is your interpretation of the "confederation" model? If this is the policy goal for the future government, has MAC already started planning for that?
A. As a member of the caretaker cabinet, I cannot speak for the policy orientations of the new government. This question must be addressed to new cabinet members. But MAC has done researches for a long time on various models. At an appropriate time in the future, the research results can be shared with you.
Q. What is the status of the visa issue for Chang Liang-jen, appointed representative to Hong Kong, progress? It is reported that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has laid down several terms and conditions for issuing Chang’s visa. Can you tell us now what are the terms and conditions? Is the government going to accept them?
A. The government went through various channels a long time ago to express our wish for Mr. Chang to assume the post. The HKSAR government informed us in writing the terms for issuing a visa to Chang, which are unbelievably too unreasonable to be accepted. In one condition, the Chung Hwa Travel Services was asked to waive its capacity to represent our government to directly or indirectly engage or not to engage in certain activities and to refrain from making any statement that may mislead the general public to believe that the agency represents the Taiwan government. Therefore, our side replied in writing our stance on March 8. After the reply, our side is still waiting for a response. We hope to give enough time for HKSAR government to think it over. Reportedly, the HKSAR government said it could not accept our position.
If you wish, MAC will ask the Hong Kong and Macao Department to pass to you the HKSAR government’s letter showing its terms and conditions as well as our reply for your reference.
Q. Regarding the dispute involving the new director-general of the Hong Kong Affairs Bureau, will MAC keep communicating with the HKSAR government or change this appointment?
A. We haven’t thought of making a change. Mr. Chang is the most appropriate candidate we have now. We will sincerely communicate with HKSAR government.
Q. Cross-strait relations have been turned upside down by the statement of "special state-to-state relationship." Reports indicate that the new Chairperson Tsai was deeply involved in the formulation of the statement. Can you confirm that Ms. Tsai was the drafter of the "special state-to-state relationship" announcement?
A. No. I cannot confirm that.
Q. The Mainland side believes that Prof. Tsai was closely involved in the formulation of the statement and therefore has a reserved view and comment on her. Does this appointment indicate outgoing President Lee Teng-hui’s policy of "special state-to-state relationship" will be retained under the government of President Chen? Will the “special state-to-state relationship” policy remain unchanged?
A. I cannot comment on this hypothetical question. As for the views of Beijing, we simply hope that Mainland China can look at cross-strait issues with a more open and friendly attitude and make greater initiatives. As for President-elect Chen’s thinking behind this appointment, I cannot give you any comment.
Q. Will MAC be prepared to give a briefing to Prof. Tsai?
A. MAC will give her its full support.
Q. Prof. Tsai said that the "special state-to-state relationship" policy was formulated in a spirit of good will. Do you think it contains good will?
A. Ms. Tsai can make the most authoritative interpretation.
Q. Why was the position of director-general of the Hong Kong Affairs Bureau designed to be at a functional level, and not at a political level, right from the start? Some Hong Kong people have argued that this position level indicates that the direct-general has no power in decision-making and must report to higher-ups on every detail.
A. I am not very clear about the initial consideration. I have to check.
Q. Current Mainland policies were adopted pursuant to the Guidelines for National Unification, which empowered the establishment of the National Unification Council. President-elect Chen said he has no intention to abolish either the Council or the Guidelines. Does this imply the current Mainland policy will remain unchanged?
A. This question should be answered by the new cabinet. So far, the government has been consistent in this regard. The future policy orientation should be up to the new government.
Q. The Chenglan Temple of Tachia Town, Taichung County, has applied to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) to make a religious pilgrimage to Mainland China. What are the chances of approval for this visit?
A. The case is pending review in the MOTC. After this case is forwarded to MAC, we will express our opinions.
Q. Yu Keli (of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences) said all issues (including the three direct links) must adhere to the "one-China principle” and precondition. What is your comment on that?
A. Beijing’s interpretation of the "one-China principle” has been shrinking, which is rather disappointing. Regarding Mr. Yu’s words and actions during his visit to Taiwan, I think that although Taiwan society is quite open, liberal, and democratic, a guest still has to behave like a guest.
Q. Do you consider Mr. Yu’s views (on one China) those of an ordinary scholar of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, or those of someone who is relaying messages from the Beijing authorities? Are you prepared psychologically for the messages he brought here?
A. Chairman Su Chi said that MAC pays great attention to all messages. But, Mr. Yu’s views are distinct from the views of the Beijing authorities.
Q. MAC used to take action against Mainland visitors who were considered impolite. Since Mr. Yu’s comments have already troubled Vice President-elect Annette Lu, are you going to take further action?
A. A guest should behave himself like a guest. We will closely watch his words and deeds.
Q. Regarding his impolite comments, are you going to ask him to leave early?
A. I am not going to comment on future developments. But we did take actions before under similar circumstances.