| Subjects: |
- Macau changes entry requirements; comment on presidential candidates' Mainland policy; direct transport.
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MAC Vice Chairman Chong-Pin Lin
at the January 14, 2000 Press Conference
His Report:
As the new century commences, some reporters covering this council will change their work. We just wish to express our best wishes to those leaving the current job that the new jobs will allow your talents to manifest fully. We also hope that you may still contribute to cross-strait journalism in the future. As for those staying, we sincerely hope to continue receiving your supports, guidance, and comments so that MAC can improve its work in promoting our Mainland policies.
Questions and Answers:
Q. When will the new representative to Hong Kong assume office?
A. It has not been confirmed yet. But it will be soon.
Q. According to a Hong Kong newspaper, the PRC will establish a "National Security Meeting." Are you aware of this development? How will this affect Mainland China's political development?
A. This is Mainland China's domestic affair. MAC has no comment on this.
Taiwan people have enjoyed visiting Macau without visa
Q. Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) government said that any Taiwan traveler wishing to visit Macau will have to present his identification card or a "Taiwan visitor certificate." What is MAC's position on this policy change? Will the government take any strong countermeasures?
A. The government has yet been informed by the MSAR government about this change. However, we will not accept that a Taiwan visitor to Macau must carry "Taiwan visitor certificate" or other pass in addition to this certificate. This is because Taiwan people have been accustomed to visiting Macau visa-free. It has been the most convenient way, which is also the reason why Taiwan people love to go to Macau. If MSAR does act as what the report said, it not only violates the fourth point of the seven-point principle introduced by PRC Vice Premier Qian Qichen, but is also inconvenient (for Taiwan travelers) and a rollback for Taiwan-Macau relationship. Whether our government will accept the condition that Taiwan visitors must use another certificate, such as identification card, is still being reviewed. Our highest principles to handle Macau affairs are "mutual benefit, equality, and dignity". If MSAR government shall change the procedures for Taiwan visitors to Macau, the changes must bring greater benefits to Taiwan visitors. Or the government will take countermeasures to safeguard the national dignity and the interests of the people in Taiwan.
Q. Are you saying that it will be acceptable if requirement for Taiwan visitors to Macau is to show their identification cards?
A. It is still reviewed by the government.
Q. You just mentioned that if the MSAR government changed the procedures for Taiwan people to visit Macau, the government might take countermeasures if necessary. What will those countermeasures be?
A. We can only make comment up to this point. MAC will watch closely the development.
Q. Wu Hsin-hsing, deputy secretary-general of Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), visited Macau at the end of December and exchanged views with the MSAR government on the entry procedures. Has Wu reported to MAC about this meeting?
A. MAC is not clear about the details.
Soong's Mainland policy needs elaboration
Q. Presidential candidate James Soong broached his "Platform for Cross-strait Economic and Trade relations" the other day. He seemed to have little understanding of the government's "no haste, be patient" policy. Since the enforcement of the "no haste, be patient" policy, Taiwan investment on the Mainland has not decreased. Also, the policy itself does not restrict Taiwan businessmen from investing on the Mainland. Then why did Soong introduce a policy different from the government's policy?
A. This question should be answered by Mr. Soong. In general, any policy debate is constructive, and slanders are not. Voters are very clever and can make their best choices. In addition, MAC is glad to see that Mr. Soong has become more cautious. On July 3, 1999, Washington Post quoted Soong as saying that "Taiwan would open the three-links to China -- direct trade, direct transport, and direct mail." It meant that if Soong were elected, he would proceed to the three direct links without conditions. This time, Mr. Soong added conditions of national defense and security (for deregulation). Therefore, if Mr. Soong and the other candidates can be more cautious, it will be a good thing. Mr. Soong did not go deeper to explain his policies. It is known that on January 27 his camp will talk about the substance of his statement. MAC will watch this development. As for Mr. Soong's economic and trade policies toward Mainland, MAC would like to make the following comments:
MAC comments on Soong's economic & trade policies
- (1) Soong said that "Mainland policy should be positive and active":
MAC believes that having an "active" policy is good. However, while being active, the government should maintain a Mainland policy that is "stable." A stable liberalization is the best policy. Hence, MAC has introduced a policy of "no haste, be patient; advance gradually to reach far."
- (2) Soong said that "Taiwan comes first":
Mr. Soong's views do not vary from the government's policy "leave the roots in Taiwan." However, while Soong has yet elaborated on this policy, the government already has had specific measures to carry out this policy.
- (3) Soong said that he will "Closely monitor the flow of Mainland capital, including investment and trade":
Since the government deregulated the restriction on family visits to the Mainland, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has set up a monitoring indicator on cross-strait trade. Regarding investment, the government will apply the regulations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) to establish a prior reporting system, which is a forward-looking, rational, and transparent management system.
(4) Soong said that "without prejudice to national security, the government should conduct cross-strait negotiations to open direct transports between the two sides step by step to promote economic efficiency":
With respect to "step-by-step", the government has established a principle of liberalizing "marine transport first, air transport later; cargo first, passenger transport later." Besides, the government has also established an "offshore transshipment center." For the time being, the government has allowed ships with flag of convenience to transport between the two sides.
In fact, the government has moved ahead of Mainland China in the establishment of "offshore transshipment center." The government has opened Kaohsiung Port, which has huge intake capacity, for transshipment, compared to the relatively smaller ports of Fuzhou and Xiamen opened by Mainland China. In the future, the government will have an integrated design for marine transportation, air transportation and processing industry. Therefore, Mr. Soong's "step-by-step deregulation of cross-strait direct maritime transport" has been already covered by the current government's practices.
Q. You just mentioned that the government would further open the Kaohsiung Port, including air transport. Does it mean that Kaohsiung will be the spot for direct air transport?
A. It is still unclear when direct transport can be realized. However, the government has been carried out forward-looking policy design.
"Advance steadily to reach far": a gradual liberalization
Q. What is the "active side" of the "no haste, be patient" policy?
A. "No haste, be patient; advance steadily to reach far" was the complete policy introduced at that time. "Advance steadily to reach far" means a gradual liberalization. When the policy was first introduced in September 1996, the government said the policy would be adjusted along with the changing attitude on the Mainland side. In respect to Taiwan's investment on the Mainland, the policy does not restrict the investment by the middle- and small-sized industries. The policy only applies to investment exceeding US$50 million and that in high-tech industries and infrastructure. Investment exceeding US$50 million will require review at policy level on a case-by-case basis. So, "no haste, be patient" policy is rather thorough in design.
| The MAC News Briefing is an English transcript of the weekly news conference held by the Mainland Affairs Council. We try our best to provide an accurate English translation. In case of discrepancy, the Chinese text rules. |