A possible trial run of the "small three links" will only come about if the governments of China and Taiwan both approve the trip, KMT lawmaker Chen Ching-pao (
"We would't bother with the trip if either of the two countries' authorities are against the initiative. ? And that is exactly the purpose of this journey: to better ascertain the attitude of the Chinese government concerning the `small three links'" (小三通) by testing the waters before the plan is officially launched," Chen, a legislator from Kinmen (金門), told the Taipei Times.
From Taiwan's perspective, Chen said he was very optimistic about the trip. He was unwilling to say that the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) had officially given the nod to his proposal, but noted that the crux of the problem was contingent mostly upon the attitude of China.
"We understand it is a pressing issue, with only a few days left before the trip is to take place, and we have been in close contact with the Xiamen (
The trial trip planned to take place between Dec. 28 and Dec. 30 and will go between Liaoluo Harbor (料羅) on Kinmen and Heping Harbor (和平) in Xiamen. In an effort to downplay the sensitive event, Chen said no national flag would be hung on the vessel.
"Nearly 80 people -- consisting of roughly 20 legislators, 10 aides to legislators, 40 journalists and some local representatives of Kinmen island -- have signed up to join the trip," Chen said. "The group will inspect the equipment at Xiamen Harbor, visit the Xiamen governor and exchange opinions with scholars from Xiamen University at a symposium."
Taiwan unilaterally announced on Dec. 13 that it will open direct postal, transportation and trade links between Taiwan's outlying island groups of Kinmen and Matsu (
However, lawmakers have expressed concern in light of China's lukewarm response.
Lawmakers have warned that Taiwan would only embarrass itself if it unilaterally lifted the ban on Chinese traveling without crystal-clear consent from China.
When questioned by the media about whether the experimental trip will be in violation of the law on the grounds that the ban will not be formally eased until Jan. 1, Mainland Affairs Council Vice Chairman Chen Ming-tong (陳明通) conceded that the matter deserved more discussion.
The trip will take place during the lapse period of the law, he pointed out, adding that the council would allow more leniency on the affair.
"I don't think it is necessary for the public to overly interpret the issue because we respect the thoughts of lawmakers and we know the idea will facilitate communication between Taiwan and China," the MAC official said.
SECURITY: As China is ‘reshaping’ Hong Kong’s population, Taiwan must raise the eligibility threshold for applications from Hong Kongers, Chiu Chui-cheng said When Hong Kong and Macau citizens apply for residency in Taiwan, it would be under a new category that includes a “national security observation period,” Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said yesterday. President William Lai (賴清德) on March 13 announced 17 strategies to counter China’s aggression toward Taiwan, including incorporating national security considerations into the review process for residency applications from Hong Kong and Macau citizens. The situation in Hong Kong is constantly changing, Chiu said to media yesterday on the sidelines of the Taipei Technology Run hosted by the Taipei Neihu Technology Park Development Association. With
CARROT AND STICK: While unrelenting in its military threats, China attracted nearly 40,000 Taiwanese to over 400 business events last year Nearly 40,000 Taiwanese last year joined industry events in China, such as conferences and trade fairs, supported by the Chinese government, a study showed yesterday, as Beijing ramps up a charm offensive toward Taipei alongside military pressure. China has long taken a carrot-and-stick approach to Taiwan, threatening it with the prospect of military action while reaching out to those it believes are amenable to Beijing’s point of view. Taiwanese security officials are wary of what they see as Beijing’s influence campaigns to sway public opinion after Taipei and Beijing gradually resumed travel links halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the scale of
A US Marine Corps regiment equipped with Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) is set to participate in the upcoming Balikatan 25 exercise in the Luzon Strait, marking the system’s first-ever deployment in the Philippines. US and Philippine officials have separately confirmed that the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) — the mobile launch platform for the Naval Strike Missile — would take part in the joint exercise. The missiles are being deployed to “a strategic first island chain chokepoint” in the waters between Taiwan proper and the Philippines, US-based Naval News reported. “The Luzon Strait and Bashi Channel represent a critical access
Pope Francis is be laid to rest on Saturday after lying in state for three days in St Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful are expected to flock to pay their respects to history’s first Latin American pontiff. The cardinals met yesterday in the Vatican’s synod hall to chart the next steps before a conclave begins to choose Francis’ successor, as condolences poured in from around the world. According to current norms, the conclave must begin between May 5 and 10. The cardinals set the funeral for Saturday at 10am in St Peter’s Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College
RSS