Overview
In a significant diplomatic development, Taiwan’s government has approved a visit by a group of Chinese students, marking a rare moment of cross-strait exchange amid escalating tensions between Taipei and Beijing. The visit, organized by the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, is scheduled for late November 2024 and will involve 40 students from several prestigious Chinese universities. Notably, the delegation will include notable athletes, such as Ma Long, a double Olympic table tennis champion, and Yang Qian, a gold medalist in shooting from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The Visit’s Background and Significance
The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, led by Taiwan’s former President Ma Ying-jeou, received official confirmation from the Taiwanese government on Friday that its request to invite a group of Chinese students had been approved. According to Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑), CEO of the foundation, the delegation will consist of 40 students from seven universities in China, including the prestigious Tsinghua University and Beijing Sport University.
Key Students in the Delegation:
- Ma Long (馬龍): Beijing Sport University, double Olympic table tennis champion.
- Yang Qian (楊倩): Tsinghua University, gold medalist in shooting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The students are expected to visit Taiwan from November 27 to December 5, 2024, and their itinerary includes visits to renowned Taiwanese universities such as:
- National Taiwan University (NTU)
- National Tsing Hua University
- National Chengchi University (NCCU)
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- Chinese Culture University
- Chang Gung University
- Taipei Municipal Zhong Shan Girls High School
This marks a rare opportunity for cross-strait interaction at a time when political relations between Beijing and Taipei remain tense.
Diplomatic Implications of the Visit
While Taiwan’s approval of the Chinese students’ visit is seen as a positive step toward fostering non-governmental exchanges, it comes amid rising cross-strait tensions, particularly following recent political developments and military maneuvers by China. Former President Ma Ying-jeou, a key advocate of cross-strait engagement, expressed hope that this visit would be just the first of many and called for further government support in facilitating people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and China.
In a statement, Hsiao Hsu-tsen expressed gratitude for the support from key Taiwanese figures, including Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Lai Shyh-bao and Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) head Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正), as well as Deputy Education Minister Yeh Ping-cheng (葉丙成). The approval of the visit is seen as a rare instance of cooperation amid the broader political divide between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) also emphasized that no major concerns were raised during the review process, though it has instructed the delegation that no political statements should be made, nor should any actions that could undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty or status occur during the visit.
Taiwan’s Government Stance on Cross-Strait Exchanges
Despite the ongoing political tensions, Taiwan’s government has indicated its willingness to promote non-political exchanges with China, particularly those focused on education, culture, and sports. By approving this visit, Taiwan is reaffirming its stance on maintaining channels of communication, even in the face of challenges.
The visit also carries a personal message from former President Ma Ying-jeou, who has long advocated for engagement with Beijing and a peaceful cross-strait relationship. Ma has repeatedly stated that fostering people-to-people exchanges can help to ease tensions and create a more positive atmosphere for dialogue between the two sides.
Highlights of the Visit and Planned Activities
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 27 | Arrival of the Chinese student delegation in Taiwan. |
| November 27 – Dec 5 | Campus visits to NTU, NCCU, National Tsing Hua University, and more. |
| December 5 | Departure from Taiwan. |
The delegation’s visit is expected to provide an opportunity for the students to learn about Taiwan’s educational system, culture, and society while fostering stronger bilateral relations through informal exchanges.
FAQs
1. Why did the Taiwanese government approve the visit of Chinese students?
The Taiwanese government approved the visit as part of its ongoing efforts to promote non-governmental exchanges between Taiwan and China, particularly in the fields of education and cultural exchange, despite political tensions.
2. Who is leading the Chinese student delegation?
The delegation will be led by Qiu Yong (邱勇), the Communist Party Secretary of Tsinghua University, and will include notable athletes such as Ma Long (table tennis champion) and Yang Qian (shooting gold medalist).
3. What universities will the Chinese students visit in Taiwan?
The delegation will visit National Taiwan University (NTU), National Tsing Hua University, National Chengchi University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Chinese Culture University, Chang Gung University, and Taipei Municipal Zhong Shan Girls High School.
4. What is the significance of this visit amid cross-strait tensions?
This visit is significant as it represents a rare instance of cross-strait cooperation, with Taiwan’s approval seen as a step toward maintaining peaceful, non-political exchanges during a time of heightened political and military tensions.
5. What guidelines has the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) set for the delegation?
The MAC has instructed the visiting students not to make political statements or take any actions that could harm Taiwan’s status or sovereignty during their trip.
