Taiwan’s top China policymaker, Andrew Hsia, spoke on Wednesday about a Chinese plan to lift an entry permit requirement for Taiwan visitors and to issue entry cards.
Hsia, who is the head of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), said that while the proposal had benefits, more details were needed.
“Since the idea was broached, we have been in contact [with China]," said Hsia.
"I believe that the cost-saving aspect is important for individual businesspeople, but what we are even more concerned about is whether or not this ‘card’ can help maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, as well as the respect and dignity of Taiwan," he said. "But I believe that we must first wait for them to formally introduce the matter.”
Right now, Taiwanese residents need a special identity booklet known as a “taibaozheng” in order to travel to China. They also need an entry permit, which can take two days to process.
Top Chinese political advisor Yu Zhengsheng announced the new plan during a speech at the seventh Straits Forum in Xiamen last weekend. Yu said there are plans to lift the entry permit requirement, and to redesign the booklet as a card.