China’s top cross-strait negotiator arrived in Taichung yesterday for a five-day meeting with his Taiwanese counterpart amid protests at the airport and his hotel.
Waving to protesters standing outside the cordoned off area surrounding his hotel, Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) Chairman Chen Yunlin (陳雲林) told those who welcomed him inside the hotel that he had noted on his way from the airport and outside the hotel that many of his “countrymen” did not welcome him.
‘RESPECT’
PHOTO: REUTERS
Chen said he also saw many who supported his visit and wanted to see the ARATS and the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) sit down and talk about and resolve the problems facing both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
“We fully respect the different opinions expressed by our countrymen,” he said.
“For those countrymen who welcome us, I want to say thank you. Thank you, my friends, for your hospitality,” he said.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Chen also thanked the security personnel supervising his visit, whom he referred to as his “brothers and sisters,” as well as Taichung Mayor Jason Hu (胡志強).
WISHING HAPPINESS
Saying that he represented his “fellow countrymen on the mainland,” the ARATS chairman added that he wanted to wish his 23 million “Taiwanese compatriots” happiness and safety.
Chen arrived at Taichung’s Cingcyuangang Airport an hour later than expected.
His entourage exited from one of the main back gates at the airport, avoiding pro-independence activists who had assembled at another gate.
He said he was “greatly excited” that the SEF and the ARATS could do something “practical” for the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
MOVING FORWARD
Over the past year, Chen said the two agencies had signed nine agreements and one consensus, all of which were conducive to the two sides’ economic development and public welfare.
Furthermore, negotiations were conducted on an equal footing and communications were always friendly, he said. The two sides had reached consensus on numerous matters and were moving forward in a practical fashion, he said.
“History has proven and will continue to prove that cross-strait relations are continuing without interruption down the correct path,” he said. “The agreements also show that more people will benefit from them in a more direct way.”
Chen said an increasing number of people — especially “Taiwanese compatriots” — value the mechanism for negotiations between the two sides. The talks have advanced the bilateral economies and well-being of both sides, he said.
‘TEN SUPERHIGHWAYS’
But “there is still a long way to go,” he said. “There may be difficulties ahead, but as long as we keep moving forward, we will see a broader road leading to peace.”
Chen expressed sympathy for the victims of Saturday’s earthquake, which struck off the coast of Hualien County, killing one and injuring 12.
Chiang said the previous nine agreements and one consensus were “10 superhighways” enabling exchanges of people, capital and commodities across the Taiwan Strait.
“Our goal is to pursue peace in the Taiwan Strait and create a win-win situation,” he said.
Looking ahead, Chiang said the new year would be full of opportunities and challenges, but the wisdom and cooperation of the SEF and ARATS could turn challenges into opportunities.
Independence activists and civic groups vowed yesterday to stage more demonstrations against Chen’s visit and the cross-strait policies of President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) administration.
During the meeting this week, Taiwan and China are expected to sign economic agreements on fishing crew cooperation, agricultural quarantine inspection, industrial product standards, and inspection and certification.
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