Rao Qingling Participates in Cross-Strait Forum via Video; Chiu: Investigation Under Cross-Strait Relations Act

(Central News Agency reporter Lu Chia-jung, Taipei, June 17) Regarding Taitung County Magistrate Rao Qingling's participation in the Cross-Strait Forum via a pre-recorded video, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairperson Chiu Chui-cheng stated today that the government has explained multiple times that civil servants, both at the central and local levels, are prohibited from attending the Cross-Strait Forum in any form, including virtual participation. This case will be investigated under Article 33-1 of the Cross-Strait Relations Act, with the competent authority, the Ministry of the Interior, responsible for understanding the situation and conducting an investigation.

Chiu made the above remarks during a press interview before the 17th plenary meeting of the Interior Committee of the 11th Legislative Yuan's 5th session today.

He pointed out that Rao Qingling had already violated regulations during her most recent trip to mainland China, when she altered her itinerary to meet with Song Tao, Director of the Taiwan Affairs Office, without reporting to the immigration authorities, constituting one prior violation.

Chiu emphasized that all government departments are actively assisting farmers in accessing better overseas markets. For example, mangoes recently sold in Paris were completely sold out at very high prices. The government does not prohibit traveling to mainland China or overseas markets to promote agricultural products or tourism. The current prohibition specifically targets participation in the Cross-Strait Forum.

He stressed that the Cross-Strait Forum is a united front platform used by the Chinese Communist Party to influence Taiwan, turning agricultural and fishery products into political tools. Historically, starting from 2005, many Taiwanese fruits and agricultural products were allowed into the mainland market. However, since 2021, pineapples, mangoes, shikuas, citrus fruits, and many other agricultural products have been banned from entering mainland China. When the mainland reopened its market, agricultural and food businesses had to re-register. Through the cross-strait agricultural product inspection and quarantine platform, Taiwan submitted over 1,800 qualified products, but the mainland accepted only about 40, clearly indicating that the other side has already applied political filtering.

Chiu added that during this year's Cross-Strait Forum, agricultural exports to the mainland clearly carried political prerequisites—products could only be exported on the political basis of 'adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing Taiwan independence.' Political prerequisites entail political risks, and farmers must not be placed in the risk of being 'nurtured, entrapped, and killed.'

He stated that the government must support and guide farmers, ensuring they do not fall into such risks or cooperate with the Chinese Communist Party's united front operations, as doing so would expose vulnerable farmers to political dangers.

Chiu emphasized that the government supports and welcomes county and city leaders promoting agricultural products in overseas markets, but opposes allowing farmers to fall into the Chinese Communist Party's 'nurture, entrap, kill' trap, as the past costs have already been painfully high. (Edited by Chiu Kuo-chiang) 1150617