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PRC tourists welcome, insincerity is not

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) yesterday described as "insincere" Beijing's proposal to negotiate an easing of cross-strait travel bans, but it did not object to holding talks on the matter, arguing that relaxing restrictions on tourism had been a longstanding policy.

Council Vice Chairman You Ying-lung (游盈隆) said that bilateral relations needed a "good start" and that discussions on cross-strait cargo flights were an appropriate place to begin any dialogue.

You's comments followed an announcement by Beijing's China National Tourism Administration that tourism restrictions would be eased. The administration offered new negotiations along the lines of the talks in January that preceded the Lunar New Year charter flights.

Negotiations on the non-stop charter flights were conducted in Macau by government-authorized business representatives under government supervision.

According to China's Xinhua News Agency, Beijing also said yesterday that relaxing restrictions on Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan was an "issue between Chinese across the Taiwan Strait."

The association said relaxation of the policy would be gradual and needed the cooperation of representatives from both sides.

"The mainland has called for talks on the issue with Taiwan's tourism authorities and promises that the new policy will be introduced in a planned, gradual and orderly manner," the news agency reported.

"China hopes Taiwan's tourism organs will be authorized to consult with the mainland on the issue of opening up Taiwan's tourism," it said.

The council, however, criticized Beijing's announcement as insincere. You said Beijing was not precisely clear about what it wanted, stressing that Beijing had not provided any concrete details about the new travel measures it wished to adopt.

You also said that government talks were necessary, but did not say whether the Council would actively engage its counterpart in talks.

He said that direct cargo flights were the government's top priority at the moment, but did not rule out talks on tourism matters being held first.

He also said that the freeze on bilateral contact was the result of China's restrictions.

Taiwan formerly refused entry to Chinese nationals, but in recent years the government has allowed entry for those who arrive via a third destination and to Chinese nationals who live abroad.

Beijing first announced plans to lift restrictions on Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan at the end of last month, following Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan's (連戰) tour of China.

Beijing's proposal also follows Taiwan's latest unsuccessful attempt to enter the World Health Organization after objections by China.

Premier Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) yesterday said that 1,000 Chinese visitors could be allowed to enter Taiwan daily if an appropriate mechanism was established.

"Chinese visitors would be allowed to stay in Taiwan for no more than 10 days during their trip. We basically welcome Chinese people to come to Taiwan and witness our democracy. It is a good thing," he said at a press conference yesterday.

Hsieh was first asked why he would hold a press conference yesterday given that President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) was celebrating the anniversary of his swearing-in as president.

"We decided to hold this press conference when we learned that the Presidential Office would not make any comment about the president's anniversary. We never intended to make front-page news by doing this," Cabinet Spokesman Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said.

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