In a customary post-visit gesture, Beijing yesterday announced its intention to relax travel, educational and labor regulations across the Strait following the conclusion of People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong's (
The measures, announced by the director of the Taiwan Affairs Office Chen Yunlin (
Chen said in a thorough a report by China's state-run Xinhua News Agency that Taiwanese who reside in China for over a year will be eligible for "residence stamps" that would be valid for up to five years. In addition, those who make frequent visits of a short duration can apply for multiple entry visas that are valid for one year. The new measures would also streamline application procedures, allowing authorities in Fujian Province to issue multiple entry visas to residents of Taiwan's offshore islands, and Shanghai and Jiangsu authorities to handle lost or expired "Taiwan Compatriot's Pass to the Mainland," or visas for all intents and purposes.
Chen also said that labor regulations were being modified to bring about equal job opportunities for Taiwanese seeking work in China. Beijing is slated to open its doors to an increased number of professions as well, according to Chen.
In terms of educational benefits, Beijing is prepared to cut tuition fees for Taiwanese graduate students studying in China. It is also slated to lift age restrictions and to allow individual universities to set their own admissions standards.
Chen, who also doubles as the Chinese Communist Party's Taiwan Work Office head, made similar announcements after Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) wrapped up his tour of China earlier this month, offering trade and tourism concessions as well as two giant pandas as a goodwill gesture. Soong -- who returned to Taiwan yesterday -- and Lien both met with Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤), in their roles as opposition party leaders.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council responded to Beijing's latest offers, saying that the concessions they extended should have already been implemented.
"These are measures Beijing should have implemented long ago. If it's something that should be done, then don't procrastinate," council Vice Chairman You Ying-lung (
You went on reiterate the government's refusal to recognize the so-called "1992 consensus" or any other notion reflecting the "one China" principle.
"The `1992 consensus' is a consensus with no consensus, and the 1992 Hong Kong talks did not reach any conclusions. China's reiteration of the `1992 consensus' is merely gift-wrapping for its `one China' principle," You said.
"We're back to square one. Not only have we resolved nothing, we have revived old disagreements," he added.
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