Cross-Strait Issues

MAC's Lai Accepts '1992 Consensus'
(China Post, May 2, 2008) Lai Shing-yuan, chairwoman-designate of the Mainland Affairs Council, professed she is a proselyte in an all-out effort to keep her job. She called a press conference, the second one in as many days,to declare she espoused what Su Chi, a former MAC chairman, calls the consensus of 1992.

President-Elect Confident of July Opening of Weekend Charter Flights
(CNA, May 2, 2008) President-elect Ma Ying-jeou of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) said Thursday he is confident that weekend charter flights across the Taiwan Strait will take off in July as expected.

Taiwan's Incoming Chief of China Affairs Rejects Claims She Supports Independence (AP, May 1, 2008) Taiwan's incoming chief of China affairs said Thursday she backs President-elect Ma Ying-jeou's policies of boosting ties with the mainland, rejecting accusations she is a closet supporter of formal independence for the island.

Beijing Has No Comment on Lai Appointment
(Taipei Times, May 1, 2008) Beijing refused to comment on the appointment of a pro-Taiwan former legislator as the head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), but said it looked forward to collaborating with the new administration on establishing direct weekend flights starting in July. “What we really care about is the future development of cross-strait relations.”

Lien, Hu Pledge Peace, Cooperation
(China Post, Apr. 30) Both Honorary Chairman Lien Chan of the incoming ruling Kuomintang (KMT) and Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is concurrently Chinese Communist Party leader, pledged to continue working for peace and well-being of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Former Pro-Independence Lawmaker Named Top Policymaker on China (Taiwan News, Apr. 28, 2008) Former TSU lawmaker Lai Shin-yuan, known for her advocacy of Taiwan independence and close ties to former president Lee Teng-hui, was appointed as the Mainland Affairs Council chairwoman responsible for formulating policies toward China.

Chinese Tycoons Seek Investment in Taiwan Property Market
(AP, Apr. 22, 2008) A group of Chinese property tycoons toured Taiwan on Tuesday as island trade authorities began a new effort to woo major investments from its giant neighbor. The property developers were the first mainland group to visit Taiwan since Ma Ying-jeou was elected president on March 22.

China Opens Door to Taiwan’s Lawyers
(AFP, Apr. 17, 2008) Taiwanese have been given the green light to take China’s judicial exam to practice law in China, China’s state media reported. The move would help promote cross-strait exchanges and provide better legal services.

China Hints at Taiwan Talks Once New President in Office
(Reuters, Apr. 16, 2008) China on Wednesday hinted that talks with Taiwan could happen once the island's president-elect, Ma Ying-jeou, takes office in mid-May, but stopped short of directly confirming what could be landmark discussions.

Taiwan Wants Chinese Tourists, Yuan Convertibility: Official
(AFP, Apr. 16, 2008) Taiwan's incoming Kuomintang government wants to attract more mainland tourists and make it easier to convert the Chinese yuan on the island by July, a senior party official said.

Chiang Pin-kung Set to Take over Post as SEF Chief, Ma Says
(Taiwan News, Apr. 15, 2008) Taipei, President-elect Ma Ying-jeou confirmed that he will name Kuomintang Deputy Chairman Chiang Pin-kung as head of the quasi-official Straits Exchange Foundation, and that efforts to push for talks between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait will begin after his inauguration May 20.

Record Number of Taiwanese Say Cross-Strait Ties Friendly: Survey
(AFP, Apr. 14, 2008) A record number of Taiwanese considered cross-strait relations friendly after vice president-elect Vincent Siew's recent landmark meeting with China President Hu Jintao, a survey showed. The survey said 39.4 percent considered cross-strait relations as friendly.

Taiwan VP-elect Meets China's Hu
(AP, Apr. 12, 2008) Taiwan's next vice president sat down with Chinese leader Hu Jintao for a brief but historic chat Saturday, raising hopes that the rivals would begin to ease six decades of hostilities. The meeting between Hu and Vincent Siew marked the first time such a high-ranking elected figure from Taiwan visited a Chinese president. The 20-minute talk at a tropical island resort was largely symbolic, focusing on boosting economic ties.

U.S. Welcomes China-Taiwan Talks
(AFP, Apr. 12, 2008) The United States welcomed Friday the upcoming landmark meeting between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Taiwan's vice president-elect Vincent Siew, saying it was "the best way forward" to settling cross-strait tensions.

Ma: Taiwan to Join International Organizations under 'Chinese Taipei'
(CNA, Apr. 4, 2008) Taiwan's President-elect Ma Ying-jeou signaled his intention Friday to employ pragmatism and flexibility in his foreign policy, stating that "Chinese Taipei" is an acceptable name for Taiwan to use in international organizations, a suggestion that represented a significant departure from the position of the current administration.

China Renews Giant Panda Offer to Receptive Taiwan
(Reuters, Apr. 4, 2008) China seeks to renegotiate with Taiwan a twice-rejected donation of two giant pandas, a token of Beijing's quest to unify with the self-ruled island that it sees as its own, an official newspaper said.

Ma Sees Role for KMT-CCP in Cross-Strait Talks
(Taipei Times, Apr. 1, 2008) President-elect Ma Ying-jeou said that the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) would take charge of future cross-strait negotiations, but the party-to-party communication platform between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) may still remain.

Wen Calls for China-Taiwan Talks, Direct Links, Xinhua Reports
(Bloomberg, Mar. 31, 2008) Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called for talks with Taiwan to resume and for more economic, trade and cultural ties, the official Xinhua News Agency reported, his first comments since Ma Ying-jeou's election as president.

Bush Urges Hu to Reach Out to Taiwan
(Taipei Times, Mar 28, 2008) US President George W. Bush urged Chinese President Hu Jintao in a telephone conversation to use Taiwan's presidential election to take positive actions to peacefully resolve cross-strait tensions, the White House said. In response, Hu indicated a willingness to reopen cross-strait talks on the basis of the so-called "1992 consensus," which stipulates that both sides concede separate interpretations of the "one China" policy.

Ma Says He Will Focus on Economic Ties
(Taipei Times, Mar. 24, 2008) President-elect Ma Ying-jeou pledged to seek closer economic ties with China and resuscitate the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) as a communication channel on cross-strait issues.

Ma Repeats 'Mutual Non-Denial' Policy
(China Post, Mar. 14, 2008) President-elect Ma Ying-jeou said yesterday his future government would focus on improving strained cross-strait relations under the principle of "mutual non-denial."

China's Wen Offers to Resume Talks with Taiwan
(Reuters, Mar. 18, 2008) Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao offered to resume talks with self-ruled Taiwan which China claims as its own and warned the island that passage of a contentious referendum on U.N. membership would disrupt ties.

China Offers Talks with Taiwan on Equal Footing
(Reuters, Mar. 4, 2008) - Chinese President Hu Jintao offered broad peace talks with self-ruled Taiwan under its "one China" policy, weeks before the island elects a new president, but Taiwan rejected Beijing's conditions.

Ma Sets Timetable for Cross-Strait Air Travel
(China Post, Mar. 1, 2008) Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou set a timetable for regular cross-strait flights that he would implement if elected. Ma said weekend charter flights would be introduced by July 1, with daily charter flights between China and Taiwan to be available by the end of this year.

Taiwan-China Trade Hits Record High
(AFP, Feb. 29, 2008) Despite political rivalry, bilateral trade between Taiwan and China rose 16.1 percent in 2007 to a record 102.3 billion US dollars on the back of expanding cross-strait exchanges. China remained Taiwan's largest trading partner last year accounting for 21.9 percent of the island's total external trade last year, compared to 20.6 percent for 2006.

Taiwan, PRC Clash over Kosovo Independence
(AP, Feb. 19, 2008) Barely a day after declaring independence, Kosovo was already the center of a diplomatic spat yesterday between rivals China and Taiwan. China's Foreign Ministry blasted a statement by Taiwan welcoming the former Serbian region's independence, saying the self-governing island did not meet the criteria for recognizing other countries.

Taiwan Gives Chinese Tourists Red Carpet Welcome
(China Post, Feb. 12, 2008) A total of 668 Chinese tourists aboard the Rhapsody of the Sea enjoyed a warm welcome yesterday soon after the largest ocean liner in Asia berthed at the Keelung harbor in northern Taiwan at 11 a.m., marking a historic visit to the island by the largest-ever Chinese tourist group.

Wu Pushes US on China's Fight Rout
(Taipei Times, Jan. 27, 2008) Although China has yet to announce a planned flight route 4.2 nautical miles (7.8km) to the west of the tacit median line dividing the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan must stay on top of the issue, Taiwan's top representative to the US said.

China, Hong Kong Replace US as Taiwan's Top Export Source
(Agence France Presse, Jan. 24, 2008) China and Hong Kong have knocked-off the United States as the number one source for export orders following the release of annual figures. The economic ministry said export orders from Hong Kong and China reached 91.42 billion US dollars in 2007, surpassing the 84.53 billion registered from the United States.

No Progress Made on Easing China Investment Rules
(Taiwan News, Jan. 22, 2008) Taiwan's government said that it has no progress to report on plans to relax restrictions on Chinese investment in the island's real estate. The Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council also denied that the government may ease curbs on Taiwanese companies investing in China before the March presidential election.

Taiwan's Ma Chides Rival China for Stealing Diplomatic Allies
(AP, Jan. 17, 2008) Taiwanese presidential front-runner Ma Ying-jeou said that China's efforts to steal Taiwan's diplomatic allies could anger the island's people and give new life to the pro-independence sentiment Beijing abhors.

Direct Charter Flight Sends Sick Taiwan Businessman Back to Taipei (Xinhua, Jan. 5, 2008) An Airbus aircraft flying directly from Taiwan to Nanchang in east China, carried a Taiwan businessman, who had suffered a heart attack, back for treatment. It was the first direct flight between Taiwan and Nanchang, capital of the eastern province of Jiangxi, saving at least two hours compared with the regular route via Hong Kong.

Taiwan Leader Calls for Unconditional Peace Accord with China
(AFP, Jan. 1, 2008) Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian called for the signing of a peace agreement with China, but said any accord would have to be unconditional. Chen was responding to Chinese President Hu Jintao's call in October for an agreement to formally end the state of hostilities across the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan and the Two-Sided Triangle By Soong Hseik-wen and Wang Jyh-perng (Taipei Times, May 7, 2008) There has been an increased focus on how the triangular relationship between Taiwan, China and the US will develop after president-elect Ma Ying-jeou takes office on May 20. Although warming cross-strait relations may lead to positive developments for the economy and an opportunity for more cultural exchange, there may also be spillover effects with regard to security across the Taiwan Strait, US arms sales to Taiwan and the US’ Asia-Pacific security policy.

Awaiting Tourism Deal, Taiwan Is Primed for More Mainland Chinese Visitors By Jonathan Adams (New York Times, May 5, 2008) If a tourism deal does go through, it will be one of the first practical results of promises by the president-elect, Ma Ying-jeou, who will take office on May 20, to forge closer links with the mainland. Such ties are part of his plan to reinvigorate Taiwan’s economy, which in recent years has lagged behind others in the region.

Taiwan Hopes to Attract Chinese Tourists with Rich Culture, Free Society (AP, Apr. 29, 2008) Nearly 60 years after splitting from China, Taiwan is laying out the red carpet for tourists from the mainland. Chinese President Hu Jintao, meeting with a Taiwan official on April 12, gave the green light for a huge increase in mainland visitors.

If Not Now, When? Will China Seize the Opportunity to Improve Cross-Strait Relations? By Bonnie S. Glaser (PacNet Newsletter, Pacific Forum, CSIS, Apr. 2008) The March 22 result in which Ma Ying-jeou won by a substantial margin and both referenda failed was the result that Beijing hoped for. The new situation presents a historic and strategic opportunity for China to transform cross-Strait relations. The United States hopes that Beijing will respond positively to the new situation and without delay.

Taiwan-China: Money Changes Everything By Russell Flannery
(Forbes, Apr. 20, 2008) Although the mood is hopeful, some risk remains. Chinese money may come with a political price tag that Taiwan can't accept. But the striking optimism among most of the public underscores the extent to which views toward China have changed. If Taiwan and Beijing work together to advance economic ties without inflaming political disputes, the two sides might find there's a lot of business to be done together.

Taiwan Strait Tension Cools Off By Bill Gertz
(Washington Times, Apr. 17, 2008) Chinese Embassy Press Counselor Wang Baodong said last night that his government thinks the situation in the Taiwan Strait is "a bit more relaxed" since the defeat of the referendum, which Beijing saw as a step toward independence. "But we still think that the situation is very sensitive and complicated," he said.

China Sees Change In Taiwan Leadership Bringing Closer Ties By Edward Cody (Washington Post, Apr. 16, 2008) China expressed confidence Wednesday that an imminent change of leadership in Taiwan will swiftly lead to direct airline connections, increased tourism and more cross-strait investment.

Taiwan-China Meet Begins to 'Thaw the Ice': President-Elect
(AFP, Apr. 15, 2008) Weekend talks between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Taiwan's vice president-elect have started to "thaw the ice" in ties between the rivals, the island's incoming president Ma Ying-jeou said.

China's 'Silent Treatment' of Taiwan Closer to Ending By Jonathan Adams (Christian Science Monitor, Apr. 14, 2008) A landmark meeting between Taiwan's vice president-elect and China's president Hu Jintao has raised hopes for the first cross-strait talks in a decade. But analysts say many pitfalls lie ahead - and any breakthroughs are likely to be economic, not political.

China and Taiwan Report Small Steps in Easing Tensions By Keith Bradsher (New York Times, Apr. 13, 2008) Meetings in southern China over the weekend between top Chinese officials and Vice President-elect Vincent Siew of Taiwan have produced some progress on improving economic relations and reducing tensions across the Taiwan Strait, officials from both sides said.

China-Taiwan Ties in New Era By William Foreman
(AP, Apr. 13, 2008) China and Taiwan spent nearly six decades bickering, pointing weapons at each other and not talking face-to-face. But over the weekend, the two began what appeared to be a bold new effort to ease tensions that have long threatened to spark a war.

New Cross-Strait Talks Ready to Kick Off
(China Post, Apr. 13, 2008) The new round of cross-strait negotiations is virtually ready to kick off following a candid, friendly and harmonious meeting between Vice President-elect Vincent Siew and Chinese President Hu Jintao on the sidelines of the Boao Forum, Su Chi, former chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council told reporters after the historical meeting.

Taiwan's Next Vice President Makes History, Scores Meeting with Chinese President (AP, Ape. 13, 2008) Taiwan's next vice president sat down with Chinese leader Hu Jintao for a historic chat at a tropical island resort, raising hopes the rivals were finally beginning to ease six decades of hostilities in one of Asia's most dangerous potential flashpoints.

Taiwan, China See Progress from Historic Talks
(AFP, Apr. 12, 2008) Siew and Hu mainly talked about economic issues in their 20 minutes together, seen as an indicator of the incoming Taiwan government's ability to bring about better ties with China. "The talk was friendly, candid, and harmonious, and there were results," Siew told reporters. He later characterized the Chinese leader as "pragmatic."

Nation's Democratic Influence on PRC Inevitable: Ma
(Taipei Times, Apr. 7, 2008) President-elect Ma Ying-jeou said in an interview that he does not advocate “directly exporting democracy” to China, adding that by increasing cross-strait interaction, the merits of democracy would “naturally” lead to positive changes in China.

Taiwan's Ma Sets Plan To Recast Ties to China
(Washington Post, Mar. 24, 2008) Taiwan's president-elect, Ma Ying-jeou, outlined ambitious plans Sunday to revolutionize economic and security relations with China, aiming ultimately for a peace accord ending 59 years of hostility across the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan Poised to Warm Ties with China By Jonathan Adams
(Christian Science Monitor, March 21, 2008) In Kinmen, Chinese tourists visit freely and Taiwanese businessmen can ferry across the strait to the mainland. The Kinmen model will be expanded to all of Taiwan if either of the two candidates in the Taiwan's presidential election Saturday has his way.

Taiwan Authorities' So-Called "2005 Consensus" Lashed as Twisting Facts (Xinhau, Feb. 27, 2008) The truth that the Chinese mainland and Taiwan reached consensus about the relations across the Taiwan Straits in 1992 cannot be denied, said a mainland official here. Fan Liqing, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said the Taiwan authorities recently fabricated the so-called "2005 consensus", which twisted the facts.

Consensus of 2005 Will Move Talks Forward By Tung Chen-yuan
(Taipei Times, Feb. 24, 2008) The consensus is not an official consensus document signed by the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. Rather, it is a tacit agreement that has been accepted by the two sides as a model for negotiations since January 2005. It has the following special characteristics: It leaves disputes aside, sets no conditions, demands mutual respect and relies on pragmatism, government direction and civil assistance.

Taiwan Insurers Want in on China Market
(Central News Agency, Feb. 18, 2008) Facing a mature market at home, Taiwan's insurance companies are eyeing China's underdeveloped insurance sector and its 20 percent annual growth rates for expansion, a research report by local brokerage firm IBT Securities has concluded.

Wedding Bell Blues in Taiwan
(Asia Times, Feb. 15, 2008) Despite having a language and culture in common, the Taiwanese government continues to view mainland Chinese brides with suspicion, relegating them to second class status below those from other countries. Politics trumps marital rights, partly because mainland spouses could play an important role in drawing Taiwan closer to China.

Ready to Embrace China's New Revolution
(The Times, Feb. 14, 2008) Taiwan’s biggest port looks on eagerly as mainland political changes have paved the way for a lucrative capital invasion. The business community of Kaohsiung - the beating heart of the export-driven Taiwanese economic story - has a well-honed trader's eye for political shift.

Cross-Strait Trade Up 15.3 percent in 2007
(Central News Agency, Jan. 30, 2008) Trade between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait in 2007 for the 11 months to November amounted to US$92.68 billion, up 15.3 percent year-on-year, according to a report on cross-strait trade released by the Bureau of Foreign Trade.

Record-high Taiwanese Optimistic about China Ties: Poll
(AFP, Jan. 19, 2008) Nearly half of Taiwanese people are optimistic that the island's ties with rival China could improve this year, following the opposition's victory in last week's elections. Some 47 percent were hopeful for better cross-strait ties -- a rise of 14 percent from a similar poll last year and the highest since 2003, according to a survey conducted by TVBS cable news channel.

Cross-Strait Relations: Ma’s “Three No’s” By Ralph A. Cossa
(Pacific Forum, CSIS, Jan. 18, 2008) Koumintang (KMT) candidate Ma Ying-jeou has proclaimed a “three no’s” policy – no unification, no independence, no use of force – in outlining his planned approach to cross-Strait relations should he win the March 22 Taiwan presidential election. Ma’s construct is much more thoughtful and positively oriented; it appears aimed at reassuring three main audiences: the people of Taiwan, the People’s Republic of China, and the United States and international community in general.

Taiwan's Ma Seen Cautious on China Ties By Peter Enav
(Associated Press, Jan. 17, 2008) Tensions with rival China should ease if Taiwan elects front-runner Ma Ying-jeou as president in March, though any breakthroughs with Beijing likely would have to wait until at least 2010.

International Conference on “Confidence-Building Measures: Successful Cases and Implications for the Taiwan Strait” By Ma Ying-jeou (Jan. 16, 2008) Therefore, if elected, I will do at least two things to set the train of Taiwan’s regeneration going. Internally, I will uplift our democracy to make it work for the benefit of the people, not any particular party. Externally, I will anchor our policy on the so-called “three nos” in order to foster a peaceful environment. That is, no negotiations for unification during my presidential term; no pursuit of de jure independence; and no use of force by either side of the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan Rejects Pandas from China Amid Political Fears
(Reuters, Jan. 9, 2008) Taiwan has rejected a theme park's second request to bring over two pandas from China, amid fears that Beijing will use the animals to win goodwill in its push for political unification, a park spokesman said.

Taiwan Fears Braindrain as Professionals Head for China
(Agence France Presse, Jan. 6, 2008) Taiwan's place at the top of the industrial food chain is being threatened by a braindrain as professionals head to China for better career prospects amid political turmoil and economic slowdown at home. Language similarities and close historical and cultural bonds across the narrow Taiwan Strait that separates Taiwan from China mean Taiwanese are at ease working there despite hostilities between the two governments.

Cross-Strait Opening 'Stuck' on Sovereignty Issue: Vice Premier
(CNA, Dec. 27, 2007) Vice Premier Chiou I-jen said that it is easy to talk about liberalizing business and trade exchanges across the Taiwan Strait, but difficult to really do it. Chiou said that actually doing so would be a real challenge, as any opening is "stuck" at the thorny issue of sovereignty.

Presidential Hopefuls Differ on Path to Cross-Strait Peace
(Taiwan News, Nov. 13, 2007) Responding to comments made by honorary United Microelectronics Corp. chairman Robert Tsao, who called for a peace agreement between Taiwan and China. KMT candidate Ma Ying-jeou said if that if elected, he would seek to end the hostile standoff across the Taiwan Strait and sign a peace accord between Taiwan and China. However, China must first remove the missiles targeting Taiwan as a precondition for the deal. Hsieh said he disagreed with Tsao's call for the DPP government to suspend its push for a referendum on Taiwan's entry to the U.N.

Most of Taiwan's Foreign Investment Is in China: Study
(Central News Agency, Nov. 4, 2007) Some 82 percent of Taiwan's overseas investment is in China because of China's location, cheap labor and business potential. A Ministry of Economic Affairs poll of 1,770 Taiwanese manufacturers showed China has become the biggest magnet for investment by the nation's manufacturing industry.

W T O Issue