Tourists from Hong Kong, Macau to gain entry first

The government will give priority consideration to Chinese citizens who have resident status in Hong Kong or Macau regarding entering Taiwan for tourism, the nation's top formulator of China policy said yesterday.

Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), chairwoman of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), made the remarks while fielding questions in the Legislative Yuan.

Legislator Kwan Yuk-noan (關沃暖) of the KMT suggested that the government at the start of next year open Taiwan simultaneously to Chinese tourists residing in Macau and Hong Kong.

Kwan was referring to the government's recent decision to open Taiwan as of Jan.1, to Chinese tourists who have permanent resident status in other countries or who are studying overseas.

Premier Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄) noted that the Economic Development Advisory Conference in August concurred that Taiwan should open up to Chinese tourists and expressed the hope that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait will first consult with each other on the issue.

But the premier said that as cross-strait consultations are currently stalled, the Taiwanese government has had to resort to the partial opening measure instead.

Tsai said that the number of Chinese coming to Taiwan for tourism, meaning those who have permanent residency in a third country or are students studying overseas, will not be as small as others have claimed.

She added that the opening of Taiwan to Chinese tourists will be a positive thing and that there is no need for foot-dragging.