Education Minister Chiang Wei-ling is calling on student protesters to return to school to continue their studies.
Chiang told lawmakers on Monday that while the recent protest has demonstrated Taiwan’s civic power, students should continue their dialogue with the government to iron out differences.
Chiang recognized the students for their concern about public affairs, but he said they should act in line with the law and express their views in a rational and peaceful manner. He said the government has already responded to the students’ demands.
“We should all cherish our hard-won democracy and the rule of law," said Chaing. "It’s been almost two weeks since the students began their occupation of the legislature chamber. The weather and the living conditions are not good and I am concerned about their health and security.”
Also on Monday, National Chengchi University held a seminar on the controversial trade deal that Taiwan signed with China last June. Officials from the economics ministry and the Mainland Affairs Council reassured the public that the government will not open up Taiwan to Chinese immigrants via investment.
They said capital linked to the Chinese military will also be banned.