The representatives of the Red Cross organizations on both sides of the Taiwan Strait held working talks on September 11 and 12 and reached the following agreement concerning letting both parties participate in and witness the implementation of cross-strait repatriation procedures via sea routes by their respective government agencies responsible for related matters:
1. Principle of repatriation
The repatriation procedures must conform to humanitarian considerations and the principles of safety and convenience
2. Persons to be repatriated
a. individuals illegally entering the territory of the other side (fishermen taking temporary shelter due to force majeure are not subject to this stipulation)
b. alleged criminal suspects and criminal violators
3. Places of handover
Both sides have agreed that the handover should take place in Mawei and Matsu. Both sides may also agree to alternative places—Xiamen and Kinmen, depending on various factors, such as the hometown(s) of the individuals to be repatriated and the weather conditions at sea.
4. Repatriation procedures:
a. Relevant background information on the stowaway(s) to be repatriated shall be transmitted to the other side, after which the other side shall verify and respond within twenty days upon receipt of the notification. The repatriation and handover shall be carried out on the agreed date and venue. In case of any queries about the identity of the persons to be repatriated, the other side shall be notified to re-investigate the case.
b. Only the vessels of the Red Cross organizations shall be used to carry the persons to be repatriated. Civilian vessels may serve as guide vessels for identification of the agreed venue for the handover. Red Cross banners on a white ground shall be hung on the repatriation vessel and the guide vessel (the hanging of other banners and the use of other symbols and markings are prohibited).
c. Two representatives designated and mutually agreed upon by both sides shall sign a handover witness certificate when taking back the stowaways (form attached).
5. Other matters:
After the signing of this Accord, both parties shall immediately resolve the related technical issues, and the regulations shall be promulgated immediately. Other relevant matters shall be negotiated upon between both parties.
This Agreement is signed in Kinmen; each party shall keep one copy.
Chen Chang-wen (signed), September 12, 1990
Han Changlin (signed), September 12, 1990