“This dialogue between the two top cross-strait officials is a significant milestone as the MAC and TAO achieved major breakthroughs on key agendas,” Jiang said.
The premier made the remarks during a Cabinet meeting at which he reported on the MAC-TAO meeting and Zhang’s four-day visit to Taiwan. Zhang was in country at the invitation of Wang, who met him for the first time in an official capacity during a four-day trip to Nanjing and Shanghai in February.
According to Jiang, the June 25 MAC-TAO meeting saw both sides make preliminary commitments on such issues as allowing Straits Exchange Foundation officials to make humanitarian visits to detained or jailed prisoners in mainland China, and permitting mainland Chinese travelers to transit through Taiwan.
Other issues discussed include establishing reciprocal representative offices; expanding economic cooperation; fast-tracking negotiations on a trade in goods agreement; and enhancing exchanges across the areas of culture, education, media, science and technology.
“It is hoped that all segments of society can recognize the historic nature and significance of Wang and Zhang’s official dialogue,” Jiang said.
During the meeting, Wang reiterated that Taiwan’s future can only be decided by its 23 million people under the framework of the Constitution. He urged Zhang to pass this message along to Beijing, respect local public opinion and recognize the reality that Taiwan and mainland China are governed separately.
Jiang further requested the MAC follow up on preliminary agreements reached in the meeting.
“The council should also step up communications with the public to promote proper appreciation of the event and build wider support at home and abroad for progress in cross-strait relations.” (YHC-JSM)
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