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Cross-strait negotiating channel will not be replaced: MAC

ROC Central News Agency

2010/12/29 15:52:26

Taipei, Dec. 29 (CNA) The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) reassured a group of foreign diplomats in Taipei Wednesday that a proposed cross-Taiwan Strait committee will only serve as a negotiation tool and will not replace the existing communication channels authorized by both governments.

Speaking at a briefing set up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on the sixth round of cross-strait talks held earlier this month, MAC Deputy Chairman Chao Chien-min said the proposed Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Committee (ECC) will be responsible for consultations on issues following the signing of the economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) signed in June.

The effect of the ECC was one of the questions asked by the group of 41 representatives from 36 countries, who were wondering if the committee will override the existing authorized channels -- Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and the Beijing-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) -- as claimed by Taiwan's opposition parties.

"The SEF is here to stay, " said Chao, pointing out while there will be some overlapping functions, the joint committee is only a consultation tool and has no right to sign any agreements on behalf of either government.

During the most recent round of talks, Taiwan and China also signed a health cooperation agreement and agreed to open Taiwan further to Chinese tourists. Moreover, both sides agreed that the long-stalled issue of cross-strait investment protection will be the main issue in the next round of talks.

Chao said that unlike the ECFA, the investment protection pact will not be submitted to the World Trade Organization for reference because it does not pertain to trade, although it will follow international standards.

On tourism, both sides earlier this month shook hands on a deal to increase the daily cap of Chinese tourists from 3,000 to 4,000 and starting next year, a small number of qualified Chinese tourists will be allowed to travel to Taiwan individually without being confined to tour groups.

Answering a question on the effect of Taiwan's national security in relation to the health agreement, Chao said the pact will only provide further protection for Taiwan patients and consumers' right to health without affecting the country's overall security.

The sixth round of cross-strait talks were held in Taipei in late December, headed by SEF Chairman Chiang Pin-kung and ARATS President Chen Yunlin.

The series of meetings, which started in November 2008, is interpreted as an indication of cross-strait rapprochement since 2008, when President Ma Ying-jeou took office. Over 14 agreements ranging from non-political topics such as postal services, joint efforts to combat crime, and direct flights have been forged.

MOFA holds a briefing for the diplomatic corps the week following each cross-strait meeting. (By Jenny W. Hsu) ENDITEM/J