Fifty-two years of icy relations between Taiwan and China warmed a little yesterday as Taiwan inaugurated an administration coordination center on Matsu to handle direct shipping links across the strait. The direct trade, transport and postal links -- commonly referred to as three small three links -- formally took effect yesterday.
One government pundit called the move to relax Taiwan's cross-strait regulations a bridge to better China relations.
PHOTO: LI HUNG-MING. TAIPEI TIMES
"Matsu's role in the promulgation of small three links boasts historical significance. In the past, it was one of the country's battlefields and was heavy protected from the invasion of Chinese troops. But today, it can act as a frontier for building of a harmonious relationship between Taiwan and China," said Chiou I-jen (
"Although it is hard to tell how deep the impact of small three links will be on Matsu in the short term, if we consistently promote the small three links scheme, I believe it will have significant impact not only on Matsu itself but also on the cross-strait relationship," Chiou said.
To many in Matsu, success or failure of the small three links is crucial to future growth of this Taiwan's offshore island. "But it is also important to Taiwan as we have showed our sincerity to the world that we want to build up a peaceful environment across the strait," Chiou said.
Although China previously maintained a cool attitude toward establishing small links, they have gradually warmed on the issue, Chiou said.
Chen Ming-tung (
Asked how the links issue reflects the DPP's China policy stance, Chen said that the government is launching an "engagement policy" as "it is time to reconsider the cross-strait policy now."
According to Chiou, one of the purposes of setting up the coordination center in Matsu is to provide basic services for people on both sides of the Strait.
"With the services we offer, we hope to ease the political deadlock between Taiwan and China."
Chiou said the center was established to aid in communications between some 10 central government agencies. In addition, the center also aims to facilitate efficient communications between the central government and the county government of Matsu over the links issue, he added.
Central government agencies with local offices set up in Matsu include a quarantine inspection office under the Council of Agriculture, a disease control office under the Department of Health, a standard inspection office under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and an immigration and emigration control office under the Ministry of Interior.
According to officials at both the quarantine and customs offices, they did not receive any applications filed for transporting goods from China into Matsu, or vice versa, yesterday.
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