Mainland Affairs Council Minister Andrew Hsia has spoken out about several recent moves by Mainland China, which he said were “very disrespectful” to Taiwan. He was speaking Thursday to an audience of Taiwanese living in the US.
Hsia is the government’s top official in charge of relations with China. The moves he was referring to include using a replica of the Presidential Office building as a target in military exercises. He also spoke about China’s decision to issue cards for Taiwanese citizens visiting China. The cards are modeled after the ID cards used for residents of Hong Kong and Macau, which are part of Chinese territory. Hsia said that Taiwan was only notified of that 20 minutes before Mainland authorities decided to issue the cards.
Hsia also spoke about the passage of China’s Anti-Secession Law and its unilateral decision to set a commercial flight path that passes near Taiwan. The Anti-Secession Law threatens military action against Taiwan should it declare independence. Meanwhile, the Chinese flight path is seen as a threat to Taiwan’s national security and aviation safety. Hsia also said that there are more than 1,000 missiles lining China’s southeastern coast, which are aimed at Taiwan.
Hsia said the next round of high-level negotiations with China is scheduled for August 24-26 in the Chinese city of Fuzhou. The two sides are expected to sign an agreement to prevent double taxation and an agreement on aviation security.
One issue which will not be on the agenda is allowing Chinese travelers to make connecting flights in Taiwan. Hsia said he was disappointed that Taiwan has been unable to convince China to discuss the issue, which he said would be a convenience to Chinese travelers.