NOVEMBER 29 TAO PRESS BRIEFING: 1992 CONSENSUS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 024165 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ETRD ECON CH TW SUBJECT: NOVEMBER 29 TAO PRESS BRIEFING: 1992 CONSENSUS, CROSS-STRAIT TRADE AND INVESTMENT, FLIGHTS, TOURISM, VISAS FOR "228 INCIDENT" FILM ACTORS Summary -------------- ¶1. Key points at the November 29 Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) press briefing were: --The spokesman declined to comment on Taiwan's internal politics and Ma Ying-jeou's 2008 candidacy, noting that the "1992 consensus" should serve as the basis for cross-Strait negotiations. -- Cross-Strait trade will continue to grow over time, despite obstructions from Taiwan authrities (in response to a reporter's citation of a 20 percent increase in the first ten moths of 2006). -- The Mainland hopes to strengthen cross-Strait financial exchange and cooperation and to normalize cross-Strait charter flights for Spring Festival and other holidays and weekends. -- Some progress has been made in discussions on expanding tourism for Mainland residents to Taiwan, but further discussions are necessary. -- Rejection of applications for Mainland actors to travel to Taiwan for production of a film about the "228 Incident" is inappropriate. Taiwan Internal Developments: No Comment -------------- ¶2. Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesman Li Weiyi deflected reporters' questions about Taiwan internal politics during the November 29 press briefing. Asked for an opinion on the "special funds" investigations in Taiwan, Li said the TAO is paying attention to relevant reports, but has no comment. In response to a reporter's question about the possibility of a Ma Ying-jeou victory in the 2008 "presidential" race and Ma's concept of a "fifty-year peace agreement," Li said that the Mainland is prepared to discuss and promote the resolution of questions of mutual concern following the resumption of talks based on the "1992 consensus." ¶3. Asked whether the importance of the Taiwan question has subsided in the wake of China's economic rise, Li stated that the Taiwan question is a core interest of the Chinese nation and bears directly on China's national security. The Mainland will continue to promote stable cross-Strait relations, to oppose and contain "Taiwan independence" moves and to promote peaceful reunification on the basis of the One China policy. Taiwan Trade and Investment -------------- ¶4. Asked about the increase in cross-Strait trade in 2006 (up 20.4 percent in the first ten months of 2006 to more than USD 88 billion, according to the reporter),Li said that cross-Strait trade would continue to grow, despite obstacles and restrictions imposed by the Taiwan authorities. Asked about cross- Strait financial cooperation and Mainland opening to Taiwan banks, Li said the Mainland is enthusiastic about increased cooperation and is willing to promote negotiations between non-governmental, cross-Strait financial organizations on issues such as supervision mechanisms and transaction methods. ¶5. Li dismissed assertions by the Mainland Affairs Council in Taiwan that rejection of bids by Taiwan insurers to operate on the Mainland were rejected for political reasons. Contrary to the information cited by the CCTV reporter, Li said only three Taiwan insurance companies submitted applications and said two were rejected for not complying with conditions set by Mainland insurance regulators. Tourism, Charter Flights Discussions Continue -------------- ¶6. Asked about cross-Strait charter flights, Li said the TAO hopes to normalize cross-Strait charter flights for the Spring Festival and other holidays and weekends. The Mainland will continue to push for realization of convenient, direct cross-Strait flights for both Mainland and Taiwan compatriots. BEIJING 00024165 002 OF 002 ¶7. Although some technical aspects of the cross- Strait tourism issue have been resolved through discussions, further discussions are required to resolve outstanding issues. Discussions between non- governmental tourist industry organizations are continuing, Li said. Rejection of Film Actors' Visas -------------- ¶8. Recent rejections of Mainland actors and actresses' applications to visit Taiwan not only are inappropriate, but also harm cross-Strait cultural exchange and cooperation, said Li. The actors and actresses were reportedly involved in the production of Yun Shui Yao, a movie about the "228 Incident" of 1947, in which an anti-Kuomintang uprising on Taiwan was brutally suppressed. Randt