1) The top story from this past week was Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first state visit to the United States. According to Taiwan’s foreign ministry, US President Barack Obama mentioned the Taiwan Relations Act while discussing with Xi security in the Asia-Pacific region. The foreign ministry said that it welcomed Obama’s remarks. It also said Taipei and Washington have restored mutual trust in recent years and both sides have continued to maintain communication through various channels.
Meanwhile, US National Security Advisor Susan Rice said earlier this week that the US cross-strait policy has not changed. Rice said Washington is committed to the US-China Three Communiques, the Taiwan Relations Act and the one China policy. Rice also said it was in the US interests for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to maintain the status quo and peaceful stable relations.
2) Also this past week, Premier Mao Chi-kuo said on Monday that China’s issuance of ID cards for Taiwanese citizens visiting the mainland had hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people. Mao said there was not enough communication with Taiwan before China decided to change the ‘Taiwan Compatriot Permit.’ Mao also said the government is extremely dissatisfied with its handling of the matter.
The cards, modeled after the ID cards used for residents of Hong Kong and Macau, went into effect on Monday. Some say the cards are aimed at downgrading Taiwan’s status as an independent sovereignty. Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Deputy Minister Lin Chu-chia said that while China says the ID cards are the same as the passport-like permits issued in the past, there are concerns over identity theft. China notified Taiwan two days earlier of its unilateral decision of putting the ID cards in place. The MAC called the short notice inappropriate, saying that the government will demand that China give Taiwan enough time to respond when matters of importance occur in the future.
3) And finally, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen said she would strengthen ties with Southeast Asia and India if she were elected. She was speaking about her foreign policy on Tuesday at a 29th anniversary celebration for the DPP. Tsai said Taiwan must have strong global ties that can serve as a good foundation for national security. Promoting a diversity of trade partners is key. She also said she would strengthen ties with allies.
Tsai introduced her New Go South Policy for encouraging Taiwanese companies to invest in Southeast Asia. The DPP will set up a committee to study how to strengthen ties with ASEAN countries and India. Tsai also said that the DPP would try to ease tensions in the region and work towards using dialogue to prevent any conflicts. Tsai has reiterated that she will maintain the status quo in Taiwan although she urged China to pay attention to Taiwanese public opinion when conducting cross-strait relations.