Report finds fault with the Cabinet

The Control Yuan yesterday censured the Cabinet, saying it had neglected its responsibilities in implementing the "small three links."

"The `small three links' measures have been insufficient, the public is not satisfied with the results of the policy and illegal smuggling of goods has not been effectively prohibited, seriously impacting the security of the public," the Control Yuan's report said. "The Executive Yuan should be censured, so that it will improve its shortcomings."

The small three links are aimed at boosting the economies of Kinmen and Matsu by allowing their residents access to direct transport links with China. The policy is also meant to improve cross-strait relations.

But yesterday's report said the Cabinet has failed to achieve those goals.

While 16,590 Kinmen and Matsu residents have traveled to China, fewer than 100 Chinese nationals have visited the islands between January last year and April this year.

The investigation report also noted that illegal small-volume trade between China's coastal areas and the islands continue, allowing goods such as meat and vegetables to escape customs and safety inspections.

In addition, the Control Yuan report questioned whether some regulatory decisions made by the Cabinet should have been decided by the legislature. "Matters involving the limitation of people's rights should be regulated by law," the report said.

A law requires approval from the Legislative Yuan, while an administrative order does not.

Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), chairwoman of the Mainland Affairs Council, conceded when answering questions from Control Yuan members that it would be necessary for some "small three links" rules to be made law.

She pledged to promote the adoption of regulations into law by the end of this year.

Tsai also said the council has included regulations for the small three links in amendments to the Statute Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area (兩岸人民關係條例).

The Mainland Affairs Council, which oversees the small three links, also noted that rules were adjusted in June to help facilitate the flow of goods and people between Kinmen and Matsu and China's coastal areas.

"We hope the public can appreciate our efforts in implementing the policy," Jonathon Liu (劉德勳), vice chairman of the council, said yesterday. "It's unfair to say there has been no effective results of the policy, because good results are gradually achieved."

Liu also said that some of the comments made in the Control Yuan report refer to the remarks of cross-strait experts, which are "subjective opinions," rather than relying on "objective facts."