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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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