Chen Yu-jen Says Strait Forum Can Be Used to 'Win Over' China; MAC Responds: 'Show Us the Results'

(Central News Agency, Taipei, June 11) The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced last week a ban on local government participation in the Strait Forum. Legislator Chen Yu-jen criticized the decision, calling it an unnecessary restriction on cross-strait exchanges and stating, 'We can also win them over (the Chinese Communist Party).' MAC Deputy Minister and Spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh responded at a regular press conference on the 11th, saying, 'Please, Legislator Chen, show us the results of your efforts to win them over.'

Regarding the ban, Chen Yu-jen argued it was 'unnecessary' and reflected a lack of confidence in Taiwan's democracy. She questioned, 'Why don't you think we can also win them over?'

Liang Wen-chieh explained that the ban was issued because cross-strait policy must be consistent nationwide. 'Regardless of whether it's the central or local government, all public officials of the Republic of China must adopt a unified stance, no matter which party they belong to,' he said.

Liang emphasized that since the central government has identified the Strait Forum as a major united front platform of the Chinese Communist Party, all personnel must comply. As for Chen's claim of 'winning them over,' Liang stated, 'Let Legislator Chen show everyone the results of her efforts to win over the other side.'

Taitung County Magistrate Rao Ching-ling, who had originally planned to attend the Strait Forum, was unable to do so due to the MAC's upgraded ban. She questioned on the 11th, 'Is the MAC letting farmers fend for themselves? Please tell the farmers what you have done for them.'

Liang responded that Rao could still go to mainland China or other places, such as Japan, to promote agricultural products, and the MAC would welcome such efforts and not prohibit them.

Liang clarified that the current restriction targets only the Strait Forum event. He noted that Rao was scheduled to attend the opening ceremony on the 13th, where China's National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Chairman Wang Huning or Taiwan Affairs Office Director Song Tao might speak. 'The CCP aims to create the impression that important Taiwanese political figures or local government heads are coming to listen to a lecture. No public official of the Republic of China should allow the other side to create such an impression,' Liang said.

He concluded, 'Magistrate Rao can do more for farmers. The government's action this time is solely directed at the Strait Forum.' (Editor: Yang Sheng-ju) 1150611