Rao Qingling Participates in Cross-Strait Forum via Video; Chiu Chui-cheng: Not Yet Deemed Illegal

Central News Agency reporter Lu Chia-jung, Taipei, June 18

Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Chui-cheng stated today that he opposes promoting agricultural products through united front platforms such as the Cross-Strait Forum, due to political risks involved. Regarding the case of Taitung County Magistrate Rao Qingling participating in the forum via video conference, Chiu explained that the MAC has not declared Rao's actions illegal, but has referred the matter to the competent authority, the Ministry of the Interior, to investigate whether the act violates the Regulations Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.

Chiu made the remarks during an exclusive interview this morning on Huang Wei-han's radio program 'POP Collision News,' addressing recent hot topics in cross-strait relations.

Chiu said the MAC does not doubt Rao's intentions to support farmers, but questioned why agricultural sales must take place on a united front platform. Selling fruit under a political premise carries the risk of being abruptly halted or severed at any moment.

He emphasized that farmers should not be exposed to the political risk of being 'lured, nurtured, and then crushed' by the Chinese Communist Party. To genuinely assist farmers, long-term and stable systems and markets must be provided, rather than placing them in uncertain economic and political risks. Therefore, the MAC opposes selling fruits and agricultural products at the Cross-Strait Forum.

He further clarified that the MAC has not labeled Rao as having broken the law. However, due to public complaints, the MAC has asked the Ministry of the Interior to examine whether Rao violated Article 33-1 of the cross-strait regulations.

Chiu also pointed out that county and city leaders must apply for permission before traveling to China. Rao previously violated regulations by unilaterally changing her itinerary to meet with Song Tao, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office, without reporting the change to the immigration authority. The Joint Review Committee expressed strong concerns over this incident. The violation has been officially recorded, and any itinerary changes must be reported in advance.

(Editor: Chiu Kuo-chiang) 1150618

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