TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The head of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 陸委會) on Wednesday (Dec. 4) expressed regret that the Chinese students' remarks appeared to belittle Taiwan, potentially breaching the guidelines. The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation (馬英九基金會) arranged for a Chinese student group to visit Taiwan, aiming for cultural exchange and dialogue.
However, the MAC lamented that a Fudan University (復旦大學) student called Taiwan "Taipei, China," sparking controversy for allegedly diminishing Taiwan's status. MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正), noted that while the foundation aimed to foster respectful cross-strait exchanges, the incident contradicted this intention.
Chiu emphasized that the students had previously signed a written statement, which the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation must have adhered to. Authorities plan to address the issue according to the entry permit regulations. He also mentioned that some students made politically charged comments unrelated to the event, causing public unease, and administrative actions would follow existing protocols.
Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑), CEO of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, countered the accusations, stating that the foundation did not violate any terms. He argued that the students had no ill intent and did not initiate political statements prompted by media inquiries.
