China Calls for Cross-Strait Direct Flights, Fan Yun: CCP Politicizes Exchange, Not Taiwan

Central News Agency

(Central News Agency reporter Wang Yang-yu Taipei 17th) Regarding China's recent initiation of "mini-cross-strait aviation talks" and its letter calling for the comprehensive resumption of cross-strait direct passenger flights, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus whip Fan Yun stated today that the DPP supports healthy and orderly exchanges, but it has always been the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), not Taiwan, that politicizes and weaponizes exchanges.

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Cheng Li-wen returned to Taiwan on the afternoon of the 12th after concluding her visit to mainland China. The Taiwan Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee announced "10 measures to promote cross-strait exchanges and cooperation" on the same day, including promoting the resumption of trial free travel for residents of Shanghai and Fujian Province to Taiwan, and promoting the comprehensive resumption of normal cross-strait direct air passenger flights.

Fan Yun was interviewed by the media at the Legislative Yuan today, addressing Cheng Li-wen's remarks that mainland China's so-called use of force is only against Taiwan independence, and that Chinese President Xi Jinping treats Taiwan as one family.

Fan Yun explained that the DPP government has always supported healthy and orderly exchanges, but this must be based on strength. Democratic allies have also repeatedly reminded Taiwan that a local weapons supply chain is very important. Moreover, looking at the examples of Hong Kong and Tibet, one knows that negotiators without strength will eventually lose dignity and their limited freedom.

The media further asked whether China's calls for direct flights and free travel might be a Trojan horse.

Fan Yun stated that Taiwanese have experienced several waves of "opening when they say so, closing when they say so." It has always been the CCP and the Beijing government, not Taiwan, that weaponizes and politicizes exchanges.

Fan Yun mentioned that the Mainland Affairs Council and relevant agencies have stated that negotiations on related issues should be government-to-government, and there are also "mini-cross-strait talks," whether related to transportation or tourism. All are absolutely welcome to discuss, but they must be safe and reciprocal. This should be left to professional negotiation and evaluation, without further political rhetoric.

The media asked about Cheng Li-wen's delegation's expenses to China, for which she applied for a subsidy from the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy stated on the 16th that the case has not yet entered the reimbursement stage; it also mentioned that the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy may not sponsor activities involving unification or independence.

Fan Yun emphasized that Cheng Li-wen's handshake with Xi Jinping this time, and her mention of the one-China framework and anti-Taiwan independence, clearly involve unification or independence, as everyone who reads the news knows. She called on Legislative Yuan President and Taiwan Foundation for Democracy Chairman Han Kuo-yu to abide by the regulations and strictly review the reimbursement. As a director of the Democracy Foundation, she will also absolutely follow up on this matter.

In addition, Reuters reported that bipartisan US senators sent a letter to Taiwanese legislators stating that the US is likely to approve several pending arms sales in the coming weeks. The letter urged Taiwan to accelerate the legislative process for special arms procurement regulations under pressure from China.

Fan Yun discussed that she is grateful for the constant reminders from democratic allies, because for allies, Taiwan's self-defense capability is very important. Therefore, the Executive Yuan's proposed eight-year NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget bill cannot be discounted, because it includes fostering a local drone industry.

Fan Yun stated that whether to shake hands with the enemy or listen to allies, the Legislative Yuan will again negotiate the special defense budget bill on the 22nd. She urged all sectors to pressure KMT and TPP legislators, as national security should not be compromised. (Edited by Chang Jo-yao) 1150417

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