A lawmaker from the opposition Kuomintang has proposed sending a peace delegation to China to create a third channel for cross-strait exchanges. That’s in light of the standstill in cross-strait relations since President Tsai Ing-wen took office.
Recently, eight pan-blue city and county leaders went to China to promote tourism. China’s travel agencies have thus begun promoting a tour package that travels to these pan-blue cities in Taiwan.
At the legislature on Tuesday, KMT lawmaker Lo Ming-tsai asked the premier if elected representatives could make up a peace delegation that would have exchanges with China. Premier Lin Chuan supported the idea but also said cross-strait exchanges are dependent on the goodwill shown by both sides. He said, "If the two sides are willing, then that would be possible. But if only one side is willing, then it would not be possible. Any exchanges are welcome as long as they are conducted under the principle of mutual parity."
Lo also asked the premier if the ruling Democratic Progressive Party would consider freezing the Taiwan independence clause in its charter and if there was a possibility of a referendum on Taiwan independence. Premier Lin said the charter issue is up to the DPP and the administration is not planning on any referendum on independence.