Strait Forum Ban: Straits Exchange Foundation Says This Is Not a Normal Exchange Activity

(Central News Agency, reporter Li Yawen, Taipei, 5th) The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has imposed a ban on the Strait Forum, prohibiting personnel from central and local governments from attending. Some legislators criticized this as blocking cross-strait exchanges. The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) stated that the Strait Forum is essentially a deliberately designed united front platform, not a normal exchange activity.

The SEF held a background briefing this afternoon, chaired by Li Baowen.

The MAC announced the ban yesterday, prohibiting central and local government personnel from traveling to China to participate in the Strait Forum. Legislator Wang Hongwei stated today that the MAC is blocking cross-strait dialogue. Legislator Chen Yuzhen believes there is no need for the ban, suggesting it shows the government lacks confidence in democracy.

Li Baowen stated that the SEF shares the same stance as the government, encouraging healthy and orderly cross-strait exchanges. However, the Strait Forum is not a normal exchange; it is more like a deliberately designed united front platform by Mainland China. All sectors of Taiwanese society should have a clear understanding of the nature of the Strait Forum.

Li Baowen believes that if the goal is to genuinely promote cross-strait dialogue and exchanges, it is advisable to return to the institutionalized consultation mechanism between the SEF and China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS). This would involve resolving differences through dialogue, rebuilding mutual trust, and avoiding the pitfalls of united front tactics, which would be more beneficial for the future development of cross-strait relations.

The MAC has not responded to the legislators' criticism. MAC Deputy Minister and Spokesperson Liang Wenjie stated at a regular press conference yesterday that due to the Chinese Communist Party's continued infiltration activities against Taiwan, in addition to banning central government agency personnel from attending the Strait Forum, local government personnel are also prohibited from participating. (Editor: Yang Shengru) 1150605