The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed regret yesterday over Australia's refusal to grant Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission (OCAC) Minister Chang Fu-mei (
"We deeply regret the Australian government's denial of Chang's visa application, " said Chen Shih-liang (
Chen said Chang was originally scheduled to head a delegation to visit Chinese communities in Australia in mid-February. Chang's visit was mainly aimed at inspecting OCAC branch operations in Australia and looking into the everyday life of Taiwan expatriates there, Chen said. He said the trip would have been a simple event and should not have become an issue.
Moreover, Chen said, Chang has been to 50 countries or areas around the world since she took office. "Chang's overseas trips have never caused any problems. It is our hope that the Australian government will reconsider Chang's visa application and offer her an opportunity to visit Australia," he said.
In his view, Chen said, the large number of Taiwanese investors and business people in Australia have contributed much to Australia's development. "The Australian government should open its door to Chang so she can see for herself Taiwan expatriates' life and work there," he said.
Chen said Frances Adamson, the Australian representative to Taiwan, had briefed the MOFA on Australia's handling of Chang's visa application.
"Adamson didn't clearly explain why the Australian government declined to grant Chang a visa," Chen said, adding that the MOFA has asked the de facto Australian ambassador to convey Taiwan's stance on the issue to the Australian government.
In addition, Chen said, the MOFA has ordered Taiwan's representative office in Canberra to express its concern about the issue to the Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We hope the Australian government will change its decision and allow Chang to realize her travel plans," Chen said.
Australia recognizes Beijing, but maintains close substantive ties with Taiwan. Political analysts said Australia has rejected Chang's visa application probably for fear of offending China.
During the news conference, Chen also mentioned the issue regarding the Tiaoyutai Islands, an uninhabited island group claimed by Taiwan, China and Japan.
Chen said the proposal that the local private sector pools its resources to lease the five Tiaoyutai islets from the government to signify Taiwan's sovereignty claim over the island group may not be feasible.
Legally, Chen said, the Tiaoyutai islets are under the jurisdiction of the Toucheng township government in the northeastern county of Ilan. But due to certain practical difficulties, he said, the National Property Bureau has yet to complete documentation of those islets. "Technical difficulties exist in implementing the proposal at the moment," he added.
Some opposition lawmakers came up with the proposal to lease the Tiaoyutais after the Japanese government confirmed earlier this month that it has obtained leases from private owners of four of the five Tiaoyutai islets, known as Senkaku Islands in Japan. The move is part of Japan's efforts to reinforce its claim over the island group.
Chen said the MOFA has lodged a protest with Japan against its move. "The MOFA will continue to defend our sovereignty claim through diplomatic channels," he said, adding that the Ministry of the Interior is expected to assess the feasibility of lawmakers' "lease" proposal.
RSS