Taipei, Taiwan – The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced on Thursday that the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation could face a ban from inviting Chinese delegations to Taiwan for six months to five years due to its mishandling of an incident involving a Chinese student delegation.
Background of the Incident
On December 1, a member of a Chinese student group, invited by the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation for a nine-day exchange trip, referred to Taiwan’s national baseball team as the “China Taipei team” during a congratulatory message following the team’s victory in the WBSC Premier12 Championship. The term “China Taipei” sparked widespread controversy in Taiwan, as it undermines Taiwan’s national identity and status.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The remarks quickly ignited political tensions within Taiwan. Legislators from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) condemned the comment, citing it as an affront to Taiwan’s sovereignty. They argued that the term “China Taipei” directly undermines Taiwan’s status as a self-governing nation. In contrast, opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers defended the use of “China Taipei” as a customary term that has been long accepted in international contexts.
Regulatory Response from the MAC
Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑), Deputy Head and Spokesperson for the Mainland Affairs Council, clarified that the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation’s actions may have violated several provisions under Taiwan’s “Regulations Governing the Approval of Entry of People of the Mainland Area into Taiwan Area.” Specifically, one provision mandates the rejection of applications from organizations whose invited individuals pose a threat to national security or social stability. The MAC indicated that such violations could lead to an administrative penalty, potentially barring the foundation from inviting Chinese delegations for up to five years.
Liang noted that the foundation had been warned following the incident but failed to take appropriate action, allowing the situation to escalate and contribute to rising social tensions, particularly on the campus of National Tsing Hua University. On that campus, some students displayed the national flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan’s official name), while others waved the flag of the People’s Republic of China, further intensifying the controversy.
The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation’s Response
Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑), CEO of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, addressed the issue following the departure of the Chinese students from Taiwan. He expressed concerns over the potential five-year ban, arguing that it would not only severely impact the foundation’s work but could also create a chilling effect on other organizations attempting to facilitate cross-strait exchanges. Hsiao urged the MAC to reconsider its stance, calling for a more balanced approach to handling such sensitive issues rather than adopting what he termed a “martial law mentality.”
What’s Next?
The Mainland Affairs Council is expected to meet with relevant agencies soon to decide on the appropriate course of action. While the potential penalty could significantly disrupt cross-strait exchanges, the MAC has stressed the importance of maintaining Taiwan’s sovereignty and national dignity in the face of external pressures.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the issue with the “China Taipei” remark? | The term “China Taipei” was used by a Chinese student member during a congratulatory message about Taiwan’s national baseball team, which many in Taiwan view as undermining the country’s sovereignty. |
| What penalty could the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation face? | The foundation could face a ban on inviting Chinese delegations to Taiwan for six months to five years due to mishandling the situation. |
| Why was the term “China Taipei” controversial? | The term carries strong political connotations that many Taiwanese consider unacceptable as it dilutes Taiwan’s national identity. |
| What is the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation’s stance on the issue? | The foundation’s CEO, Hsiao Hsu-tsen, has urged the MAC to avoid harsh penalties, claiming that a five-year ban would negatively impact cross-strait exchanges. |
| What action will the Mainland Affairs Council take next? | The MAC is convening with relevant agencies to determine the appropriate administrative response to the incident. |
Summary of the Situation
The incident involving the use of “China Taipei” has stirred political debate in Taiwan and could have lasting consequences for the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation. The Mainland Affairs Council’s potential ban is a reminder of Taiwan’s delicate position in maintaining its sovereignty in international exchanges. The case highlights the tension between facilitating cross-strait relations and upholding Taiwan’s national dignity in the face of external pressures.
