A group of 17 Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) legislators departed on Friday for China, saying before their flight that they believe the trip is the right decision despite criticism from the opposition.
The lawmakers led by KMT caucus whip Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) held a news conference at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at 2:30pm before their flight.
They were met by protesters and supporters, with both sides holding placards either criticizing them for leaving amidst natural disasters or calling for cross-strait interaction.
Photo: Fang Pin-chao, Taipei Times
In addition to Fu, other members of the delegation include KMT legislators Chang Chih-lun (張智倫), Liao Hsien-hsiang (廖先翔), Chen Hsueh-sheng (陳雪生), Chen Yu-chen (陳玉珍), Huang Jen (黃仁), Weng Hsiao-ling (翁曉玲), Cheng Cheng-chien (鄭正鈐), Lin Chien-chi (林倩綺), Chiu Chen-chun (邱鎮軍), Yu Hao (游顥), Lin Pei-hsiang (林沛祥), Hsu Hsin-ying (徐欣瑩), Sasuyu Ruljuwan and Sra Kacaw.
As the morning’s legislative procedures ended early, KMT legislators Lo Ming-tsai (羅明才) and Wang Hung-wei (王鴻薇) reportedly decided to join last minute.
Speaking to reporters at the legislature in the morning, Huang said that the party’s lawmakers had heard the public’s response to the trip, but decided that the people’s livelihood is the most important thing.
There should be positive interaction in cross-strait relations, he said.
Weng said she hopes to share Taiwan’s agricultural and fishery products with “Chinese friends.”
There is no wrong time to promote economic exchange, she said, adding that if the Democratic Progressive Party would not do it, the KMT will.
Cheng said that the group has still not seen the itinerary, but trusts that Fu will organize it well.
He denied that they were sworn to secrecy, saying only that they did not ask many details.
Chen said that the main goal of the visit was to convey to China the desire for peace, resumption of tourism and promotion of cross-strait development.
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