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HK should reach out to Taiwan: MAC official
PRIORITIES:
Taiwan has developed ties with Hong Kong since the latter's handover to China in 1997, but some feel the government has often snubbed Taiwan's goodwill
STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA
Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007, Page 4
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"It is hoped that Tsang can grasp this historic opportunity to pragmatically handle relations with Taiwan and let Hong Kong serve as a useful conduit for cross-strait engagements."
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You Ying-lung, Mainland Affairs Council vice chairman
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Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang (曾蔭權) should prioritize the development of relations with Taiwan in a pragmatic manner to upgrade the territory's intermediary role in engagements across the Taiwan Strait, an official said yesterday.
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Vice Chairman You Ying-lung (游盈隆) made the call after Tsang won another term in what the Economist magazine called a "make-believe election" on Sunday.
Noting that Taiwan has actively developed ties with all sectors of society in Hong Kong since the latter's handover to China in 1997 after more than a century of British rule, You said the Hong Kong government has often snubbed Taiwan's goodwill.
Restrictions
For fear of offending Beijing, the Hong Kong government has imposed strict restrictions on visits to Taiwan by its officials and repeatedly rejected Taiwanese officials' visa applications while delaying issuance of work permits for Taiwan personnel posted in the territory or imposing unreasonable conditions, You said.
Given the brisk civilian exchanges and thriving trade between Taiwan and Hong Kong, the two sides need to cooperate closely to offer better and more convenient services for their citizens, particularly in emergency aid and legal assistance, he said.
Victory
Following his latest election victory, Tsang no longer faces any re-election pressure.
"It is hoped that Tsang can grasp this historic opportunity to pragmatically handle relations with Taiwan and let Hong Kong serve as a useful conduit for cross-strait engagements," You said.
Bilateral exchanges
He also renewed Taiwan's call for the Hong Kong government to set up a representative office in Taipei to facilitate bilateral exchanges, including offering faster relief services for Hong Kong citizens in emergencies or disasters.
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