The ROC Mainland Affairs Council called on Beijing May 16 to respect Taipei’s stance on human rights and view the issue as a normal part of cross-strait exchanges.
“The people of Taiwan are greatly concerned about the human rights of those in mainland China and how cases are handled by authorities,” MAC official Lu Chang-shui said in a statement. “We believe that cross-strait exchanges on such matters should be encouraged as part of a broader program of engagement.”
Lu’s remarks came in response to comments the same day by Yang Yi, spokesman for the mainland Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office, that there must be an “ulterior motive” for the proposed visit of an ROC lawmaker with blind human rights advocate Chen Guangcheng.
“Such a proposal is inappropriate and cannot be considered a normal part of cross-strait relations,” Yang said. “Beijing is willing to discuss human rights and the rule of law, but only during political talks with Taipei.”
Lu said the ROC government urges Beijing to respect the wishes of its people and do more to protect human rights and justice. “Authorities in mainland China should not set conditions for handling such issues, nor attempt to bundle them up with cross-strait political talks,” he added.
Irrespective of Beijing’s stance on the matter, Lu said, the time is not ripe for the two sides of the strait to conduct such discussions. “Taiwan will continue its pragmatic approach to cross-strait relations by putting economics before politics and prioritizing issues that are urgent or easily solved.”
Chen, who escaped house arrest and sought refuge at the U.S. embassy for six days, is staying in a Beijing hospital with his wife and two children. He has expressed a desire to leave mainland China for the U.S. citing safety concerns, but is waiting for mainland Chinese authorities to process his passport application. (JSM)
Write to Rachel Chan at rachelchan@mail.gio.gov.tw