Mainland Affairs Council 結果共31筆

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council warns that China’s reduced tariff concessions under the ECFA could harm cross-strait companies, criticizing China’s trade sanction threats and efforts to attract Taiwanese youth with housing and entrepreneur parks.

President-elect Lai Ching-te announces key national security appointments, naming Chiu Chui-cheng as head of the Mainland Affairs Council and Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan as chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation, emphasizing the importance of cross-strait relations and the anticipation for China to engage with Taiwan’s democratically elected government.

President-elect Lai Ching-te appoints Chiu Chui-cheng and Cheng Wen-tsan to key cross-strait relations positions, signaling a cautious yet hopeful approach towards maintaining stability with China while supporting Taiwanese businesses and citizens. The strategic move aims to extend goodwill and manage economic interdependence, with the true impact dependent on Lai’s inaugural speech on May 20.

President-elect Lai Ching-te unveils the sixth wave of cabinet and national security appointments, featuring Joseph Wu as Secretary-General of the National Security Council and Lin Chia-lung as Minister of Foreign Affairs. The team, praised for its professionalism and commitment, includes a total of 34 appointments with an average age of 62.5.

Explore the evolving cross-strait dynamics as President-elect Lai Ching-te and Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim engage with the Mainland Affairs Council, amid Beijing’s hardened stance and the anticipation of new leadership in Taiwan’s strait dialogue agencies.

Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Tai-san comments on former President Ma Ying-jeou’s visit to China, noting the potential benefits of cross-strait communication and expressing hope for the safety of all Taiwanese in China. Chiu refrains from commenting on questions of national dignity regarding Ma’s visit, highlighting its private nature and the varied forms of address used for Ma in China.

Kuomintang (KMT) Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia leads a delegation to China amidst tensions over a maritime incident, emphasizing the party’s advocacy for Taiwan’s interests. The visit sparks discussions on cross-strait relations amid political complexities.

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) completed the legal investigation into the Kinmen speedboat case, determining no need to detain the two Chinese survivors. The survivors were repatriated in the interest of human rights. MAC clarified the repatriation process and procedures followed by the Fuchien Kinmen District Prosecutors Office and Coast Guard Administration. The incident involved a speedboat pursuit by the Coast Guard Administration in Kinmen waters, resulting in two deaths.

Minister of Ocean Affairs Council, Kuan Bi-ling, addresses Taiwanese vessels’ response to mainland Chinese coast guard inspections. The incident involving a Kinmen tourist boat prompts calls for caution and avoidance of interactions with China’s maritime authorities. Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications and Ministry of National Defense emphasize adherence to international customs and a policy of non-intervention. Premier Chen Chien-jen urges rational cooperation for maritime security.

The Taipei Lantern Festival’s main lantern will be lit on Feb. 17. No official meeting was arranged between the Shanghai delegation and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an. Mayor Chiang is expected to visit various lantern areas, potentially encountering the Shanghai representatives. The festival features lanterns from 16 cities, including Shanghai. The level of Shanghai’s representation has reportedly been downgraded this year. The Mainland Affairs Council aims to keep a low profile on the delegation’s visit for their safety.

A recent fishing boat incident involving a Chinese fishing boat illegally crossing boundaries and subsequently capsizing due to the Taiwanese coast guard’s expulsion efforts has caused tension between Taiwan and China. Two individuals tragically drowned in the incident. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council has assured prompt communication of investigation results with Chinese authorities, aiming to maintain solid cross-strait ties. China has accused Taiwan of precipitating such events, blaming aggressive boat seizures and assertive treatment of mainland fishermen. The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) has strongly condemned the incident, laying blame on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration. Former Global Times Editor-in-Chief Hu Xijin has criticized Taiwan’s law enforcement, suggesting it may constitute involuntary manslaughter. In 2023 alone, there were 1,191 registered cases of Chinese fishing boats crossing the maritime boundary, consistently surpassing a thousand annually. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration, in accordance with the ＂Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area,＂ retains the right to expel, detain, hold in custody, fine, confiscate fishing equipment, and seize hauls and boats.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) strongly condemns Beijing’s attempt to lure the Republic of Nauru into resuming diplomatic relations, accusing China of disrupting international order through ＂dollar diplomacy.＂ The MAC criticizes China’s actions as an attempt to suppress Taiwan’s international status and sovereignty, despite its successful presidential election. Beijing’s attempts to snatch away Taiwan’s diplomatic allies will not earn it respect from the international community but will instead highlight Taiwan’s democratic achievements and contributions. The MAC calls on Beijing to stop this zero-sum thinking and emphasizes that the ROC government will continue to strengthen Taiwan’s resilience, unite society, and safeguard its international status and rights.

The Customs Tariff Commission of China’s State Council has announced that starting from January 1 next year, it will suspend the application of preferential tariffs for 12 categories of chemically imported goods from Taiwan, including propylene and paraxylene. China claims that Taiwan violates ECFA regulations by imposing discriminatory trade measures for products exported from China, and a trade barrier investigation by China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed these restrictions as a trade barrier. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) accuses China of political manipulation and bypassing WTO dispute mechanisms. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) states that the export value of ECFA’s early harvest list to China has been decreasing, projected to retract to pre-ECFA levels by year-end. The MOEA proposes managing cross-strait economic disputes under the WTO mechanism and encourages China to do the same.

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced that over 97% of Hong Kong residents applying for residence permits in Taiwan have been approved, with nearly 75% of them obtaining permanent residency permits. From 2018 to October 2023, around 46,564 Hong Kong residents and 6,196 Macau residents have acquired residence permits in Taiwan. MAC official Lu Chang-shui stated that the government welcomes and values those who aspire to settle in Taiwan, emphasizing that the rigorous review of applications aims to protect Taiwan’s systems and environment rooted in freedom, democracy, and openness. Lu also mentioned that the government provides assistance and guidance to applicants whose settlement applications are still under observation.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) accuses the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of manipulating and inducing Taiwanese grassroots through hospitable receptions, while distorting the goodwill of cross-strait exchanges. The MAC’s statement was in response to the claim by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) that ＂the momentum of cross-strait exchanges is unstoppable.＂ The MAC harshly criticizes the CCP for creating artificial obstacles to cross-strait exchanges, fabricating charges, unlawfully detaining people, and practicing autocratic rule. The controversy revolves around allegations that 41 village chiefs from Taipei accepted travel to China at preferential prices and then returned to Taiwan to promote specific candidates. The TAO spokeswoman did not address whether the TAO provided funding for the travels, but claimed that frustrations among Taiwanese citizens have been fueled by the policies of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government. This exchange reflects the ongoing tension in cross-strait relations, with Taiwan expressing concern over the CCP’s influence operations and China promoting closer ties.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen and Premier Chen Chien-jen have been alerted and instructed to prepare for emergency relief efforts following a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Gansu Province, mainland China. The earthquake resulted in the deaths of 105 people and damage to 4,782 homes. Taiwan’s Minister of Interior, Lin Yu-chang, announced that a 160-member search and rescue team, including a structural engineer, doctors, nurses, and search dogs certified in International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO) rubble search, is ready to provide assistance. Communication has been established with mainland China through the Mainland Affairs Council to coordinate rescue needs. If requested, Taiwan’s National Fire Agency will collaborate with the Disaster Relief Foundation to activate a special charter flight mechanism for humanitarian rescue missions. Additionally, an earthquake in Qinghai Province resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals, bringing the total earthquake death toll in mainland China to 118. Taiwan’s quick mobilization demonstrates its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance despite the complex political relationship with Beijing.

Taiwanese writer Lo Sen has been missing in China since November last year and is suspected to be detained by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that neither Lo Sen nor his family have sought assistance from any Taiwanese authorities, including the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF). Lo Sen, known for his adult novels, was recently reported to have been sentenced to 12 years on charges of profiting from privately publishing pornography. The MAC highlighted the CCP’s intensified internal security management, which has resulted in disruptions and restrictions on personal freedom for Taiwanese citizens and foreign enterprises in China. The MAC urged Taiwanese citizens to register with the ＂Mainland Travel Dynamic Registration＂ system before traveling to China to facilitate assistance in emergencies. The SEF has received reports of Taiwanese citizens being interrogated upon entry into China, with various reasons for the scrutiny, including the possession of religious-related books, posing challenges to cross-strait exchanges.

The Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, stated that the release of the list of key national technologies will not impact businesses as they have been consulted beforehand. The focus is on enhancing the protection of critical technologies. The National Science and Technology Council revealed a list of 22 core national key technologies across defense, agriculture, semiconductors, space, and cyber-security, including two semiconductor technologies. Personnel involved with key technologies receiving over 50% subsidies from the government must seek permission before traveling to China, as per the National Security Act and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. The two semiconductor technologies listed are IC fabrication technology for processes smaller than 14 nanometers and heterogeneous integration packaging technology. Wang emphasized the importance of protecting key technologies to prevent confidential business information leakage and enhance national security standards. The next steps involve reviewing and providing lists of personnel meeting certain subsidy thresholds and involved with sensitive technologies to relevant entities for management purposes.

Explore the latest developments in Taiwan’s travel industry as the government implements a cap on group travel to China, sparking concerns among agencies and travelers. Learn how the Mainland Affairs Council is responding to the backlash and the potential impact on cross-strait relations.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) minister has stated that multiple channels have been used to raise awareness of the ＂Online Registration System for Taiwanese Citizens Visiting Mainland China.＂ The system was implemented in January 2023 to improve emergency assistance services for travelers. However, out of over one million Taiwanese nationals who visited China from January to September, only around 2,000 registered with the system, resulting in a usage rate of just 0.19%. MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san acknowledged the low uptake and stated that efforts have been made to promote the system, including engaging travel agencies. Legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung highlighted that in August alone, over 200,000 people traveled from Taiwan to China, but only 554 registrations were made. Minister Chiu explained that registration is voluntary, and if citizens do not anticipate encountering problems in mainland China, it is challenging for the ministry to enforce it. In response to calls for increased promotion, Chiu promised that MAC colleagues would intensify efforts to raise awareness about the registration system.

Taiwanese health authorities plan to include Chinese students in the island’s health insurance starting from the 2024 school year, according to Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan. Currently, international students must wait six months after arriving in Taiwan to be eligible for health insurance. The reform was prompted by concerns from Paraguay about the health rights of its students in Taiwan and was supported by Vice President Lai Ching-te, who advocated for equal treatment of Chinese students. Currently, international students with a residence permit and six months of residency in Taiwan can apply for health insurance at a cost of NT$826 per person per month. The Ministry of Health and Welfare, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Mainland Affairs Council, has been considering this measure for some time and has evaluated its financial impact. The inclusion of Chinese students in the health insurance program will require adjustments to premiums for all international students, but the overall impact is expected to be minimal. The new measure will not apply to students who are in Taiwan for short periods and not pursuing a degree. However, it could be implemented as early as September 2024 for international students with a residence permit. Despite a halt on Chinese students coming to Taiwan since 2020, 378 students registered in 2022. The peak of Chinese students in Taiwan was in 2016, with a total of 41,975 students.

President Tsai Ing-wen’s public address on Facebook praising Taiwan’s LGBTQ+ community and their rights to start families without discrimination sparked a backlash. Critics accused the government of having double standards by not extending the same rights to same-sex couples from China. The Ministry of the Interior expanded same-sex marriage to transnational couples from countries where it is not yet legalized, but couples from China were excluded. The Mainland Affairs Council stated that scheduling opportunities for cross-strait same-sex marriage were hindered by differing legal measures and China’s lack of approval. Despite the government’s promise to fulfill its commitment, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups highlighted the unequal treatment of transnational couples in the expansion of same-sex marriage rights.

The Travel Agents Association Chairman, Hsiao Po-jen, has announced that the Taiwanese government may lift travel group bans to China before Chinese New Year in 2024. Minister Wang Kwo-tsai of Transportation and Communications and Mainland Affairs Council revealed that the MOTC Tourist Administration Director General, Chou Yung-Hui, confirmed plans to lift restrictions on Taiwanese travel groups just before the holiday next year. The ban on private arrangement of group tours to China has been in place since the Covid-19 pandemic, making this decision a significant move to enhance diplomatic relations between the two states. The MAC has also announced plans to restore cross-strait group tours, initially allowing 2,000 visitors per day from China. The lift on travel restrictions may come earlier than expected if China expresses goodwill to welcome tourists from across the Strait.

A poll released by the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) shows that nearly 90% of Taiwanese citizens support the government’s stance on defending the nation’s sovereignty and independence against increasing pressures from China. The poll also reveals that 80% of the people disagree with China’s proposal to rule over Taiwan based on the ＂one country, two systems＂ policy.

Mainland Chinese tour groups may not be able to visit Taiwan until next year, according to Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-tsai. Despite Taiwan’s efforts to lift the travel ban in the second half of this year, mainland China has not responded. The Mainland Affairs Council has allowed mainland Chinese citizens from third places to visit Taiwan for tourism since September 1.