Oct. 15, 2015 -- Minister Hsia Li-yan of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council met with Minister Zhang Zhijun of mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office Oct. 14, discussing a wide range of issues and reaffirming the 1992 Consensus as the basis for continued peaceful and stable cross-strait relations.
At the meeting in Guangzhou, mainland China, the fourth between the heads of MAC and TAO, the two sides stressed the importance of communications mechanisms and the institutionalization of high-level cross-strait ties. Taiwan also emphasized the value of expanding the scope of and channels for official, regular interaction. The two sides agreed to continue negotiations on a trade in goods agreement, with an eye to reaching consensus by year-end, as well as on the establishment of reciprocal representative offices. Talks on an environmental protection accord will also be speeded up.
Minister Hsia again recommended that the transit of mainland Chinese travelers through Taiwan airports be prioritized, and expressed hope that it could be implemented by the end of the year. At the same time, he pointed out strong concerns regarding mainland China’s failure to consult adequately with Taiwan before implementing a card-sized version of its travel permit for Taiwan residents.
With regard to already concluded major agreements, the two sides will push for measures by their respective relevant agencies to enhance coordination in resolving investment disputes and promote the healthy development of cross-strait tourism. A proposal for a meeting before the end of the year to review the implementation of all pacts signed in the last seven years was discussed as well. The two sides also exchanged views on participation in regional economic integration.
Taiwan expressed concerns about mainland fishing boats failing to respect fishing boundaries, cooperation on returning economic criminals, and the need for a notification mechanism when an individual’s freedom of movement has been restricted by the authorities.
The two sides acknowledged the possibility of cooperative historical research on the War of Resistance by private institutions from each side, with Taiwan stressing the principles of equality and reciprocity, open archives, unrestricted access, and freedom of research.
During the meeting Minister Hsia also invited Minister Zhang to lead another delegation to Taiwan at a suitable time.
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