TAO PRESS BRIEFING: MAINLAND BLASTS TAIWAN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 010748 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV ETRD ECON CH TW SUBJECT: TAO PRESS BRIEFING: MAINLAND BLASTS TAIWAN NATIONAL SECURITY REPORT, ANNOUNCES NEW CROSS-STRAIT TRADE ROUTE AND AGRICULTURAL TRADE INCENTIVES Summary -------------- ¶1. The Taiwan Security Report exposed the Taiwan leaders' stubborn support for Taiwan independence and damaged cross-Strait peace, Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) Spokesperson Li Weiyi asserted at the regular May 31 TAO press briefing. A TAO economic affairs official reported that the authorities have approved a new cargo transport route from Fujian's Shijing Port to Kinmen beginning June 8. Taiwan agricultural products transported across China will now enjoy preferential or "green passage" treatment. The Mainland is preparing to send a procurement delegation comprised of local agricultural groups to the southern part of Taiwan. End Summary. Chen's Statements Highlight Pursuit of Independence -------------- -------------- ¶2. During the regular May 31 Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing, the Xinhua correspondent asked about the recently issued Taiwan National Security Report. The report represents the "Taiwan separatist stance" held by Chen Shui-bian and the Taiwan authorities, is a complete attack on the Mainland and tried to provoke cross-Strait tensions, TAO Spokesperson Li Weiyi asserted. The report once again exposed the Taiwan leaders' stubborn support for Taiwan independence and their continuation on the path toward Taiwan independence, while damaging cross- Strait peaceful development. It is an attempt to divert the Taiwan people's attention away from Taiwan's social and economic problems. Criticism from the Taiwan people, however, demonstrates that the Taiwan authorities' pursuit of Taiwan independence and attempts to heighten cross-Strait tensions will "not win the people's hearts," Li stated. With the efforts of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, cross-Strait relations are currently moving forward with a positive momentum. People on the Mainland and Taiwan share the opposition to Taiwan independence activities and the hope for regional peace and stability. The Mainland will continue to resolutely and sincerely work for the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties and hope that the Taiwan people will make joint efforts to achieve this goal, Li concluded. New Fujian-Kinmen Route Approved -------------- ¶3. TAO Economic Bureau Director He Shizhong reviewed the development of the Three Mini-Links between Fujian Province and Taiwan's Matsu and Kinmen since 2001. As of April 2006, Fujian and the two outer islands have conducted 15,200 passenger trips and have transported 3.96 million tons of cargo freight. This model represents a productive format for two-way direct routes and can be expanded to new ports. He reported that the authorities have approved a cargo transport route from Fujian's Shijing Port in Quanzhou to Kinmen beginning June 8. The Mainland is prepared to take any step that serves the interests of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. He also expressed the hope for a direct route with the Penghu Islands, adding that Penghu residents share this hope. "Green Passage" Offered for Taiwan Products -------------- ¶4. Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Communication Public Affairs Department Li Hua noted that Taiwan agricultural products transported across China will now enjoy preferential or "green passage" treatment. This special Mainland transportation network covers all of China's main agricultural production and sales hubs. The "green passage" provides discounts for shipments together with greater efficiency and safety, according to Li. Procurement Delegation Ready -------------- ¶5. Highlighting the increasing contact between Mainland Taiwan agricultural associations, State Administration of Industry and Commerce representative Yang Zhanke noted that the Mainland is preparing to send a procurement delegation comprised of local agricultural groups to the southern part of Taiwan. The objectives are to better understand Taiwan's BEIJING 00010748 002 OF 002 agricultural production situation and discuss cooperation possibilities. Responding to a Taiwan reporter's question, Yang stated that the amount to be procured will depend on Taiwan's production capabilities and the needs of the Mainland market. Deputy Director of the Ministry of Agriculture General Office He Zeyang asserted that contact between cross- Strait civil organizations is a productive method of developing relations and promotes constructive communication, cutting out the middle-man. Future cooperation will continue to follow the format of civil association exchanges. RANDT