Introduction: Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council Rejects Entry of Shanghai Delegates
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) confirmed on Friday that it had rejected the entry applications of 10 individuals from the 102-member Shanghai delegation due to attend the 15th Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum scheduled for December 17 in Taipei. The 10 individuals include Jin Mei (金梅), the newly appointed director of the Shanghai Municipal Taiwan Affairs Office, and nine Chinese reporters. This move is part of Taiwan’s ongoing policy response to increasing political and military pressure from China.
MAC’s Explanation for Entry Rejection
The Mainland Affairs Council explained that the rejection of these 10 members from the Shanghai delegation was a direct result of China’s new guidelines targeting Taiwan’s independence advocates, which have led to a deterioration in cross-strait relations. The MAC further emphasized that such developments posed safety risks to Taiwanese citizens in China. According to the MAC:
“The Taiwanese government cannot remain indifferent… We have strictly reviewed the entry applications of key Chinese officials handling cross-strait affairs.”
The MAC’s actions are seen as a response to China’s aggressive stance and as a protest against the disruptions to cross-strait exchanges caused by these new policies.
The Impact on the Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum
The Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum has been held annually since 2010, alternating between the two cities. This year’s event is expected to cover key topics such as smart medical care and zoo animal exchanges, with memorandums of understanding on these topics expected to be signed.
Hua Yuan (華源), one of Shanghai’s eight deputy mayors, is leading the delegation, which will also include representatives from various sectors. Despite the rejection of the 10 members, Taipei city officials, including Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, expressed hope for continuing positive relations between the cities, especially in light of the warm reception the Taipei delegation received during its visit to Shanghai last year.
Taipei Mayor’s Response to the Decision
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an expressed regret over the MAC’s decision to reject the 10 Shanghai delegation members but reiterated the importance of confidence in Taiwan’s democratic resilience. He emphasized that Taiwan should continue to engage in dialogue and cooperation with cities and representatives from around the world, even amidst the tensions with China. Mayor Chiang stated:
“We have always welcomed the Shanghai delegation warmly in the past, and we hope to extend the same hospitality this year, despite these challenges.”
The Mayor’s statement highlights the continued commitment of Taipei to maintaining diplomatic ties and promoting cooperation, despite the strained cross-strait relations.
Why Were the 10 Members Rejected?
The decision to reject these specific individuals was based on several considerations by the MAC:
- Jin Mei, as the new director of the Shanghai Municipal Taiwan Affairs Office, was among those whose entry was rejected. The MAC cited China’s recent political moves against Taiwan as a primary reason for this action.
- The nine Chinese reporters whose entry applications were also rejected were deemed unnecessary for the forum, particularly as there are already 12 reporters from eight Chinese media outlets stationed in Taiwan. The MAC noted that cross-strait relations had to be taken into account, particularly due to China’s increasing military pressure on Taiwan.
Table: Key Details about the 15th Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | December 17, 2023 |
| Location | Taipei, Taiwan |
| Number of Delegates | 102 members from Shanghai |
| Key Participants | Hua Yuan (Deputy Mayor, Shanghai) |
| Topics for Discussion | Smart Medical Care, Zoo Animal Exchanges |
| Number of Shanghai Members Rejected | 10 members, including Jin Mei and 9 reporters |
FAQs:
1. Why were 10 Shanghai delegates denied entry into Taiwan?
The Mainland Affairs Council rejected the entry of these delegates in protest of China’s recent actions targeting Taiwan’s independence movement and its disruptions to cross-strait exchanges.
2. What is the Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum?
The Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum is an annual event held alternately in Taipei and Shanghai. It is a platform for the two cities to discuss topics related to economic cooperation, culture, and other fields.
3. Who is leading the Shanghai delegation this year?
The delegation is being led by Hua Yuan, one of Shanghai’s deputy mayors. This year’s topics include smart medical care and zoo animal exchanges.
4. How did Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an react to the MAC’s decision?
Chiang expressed regret over the decision but emphasized Taiwan’s resilience and continued desire to engage positively with other cities, including Shanghai.
5. What was the significance of rejecting the entry of these delegates?
This decision by the MAC is a response to China’s increasing coercion against Taiwan and a way to signal dissatisfaction with China’s actions, particularly towards Taiwan’s independence movement.
Conclusion: Ongoing Tensions Amid Cooperation
While Taiwan and Shanghai have long maintained a platform for cooperation, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council has made it clear that it will not overlook actions that threaten Taiwan’s sovereignty. The rejection of 10 Shanghai delegates serves as a strong reminder of the ongoing cross-strait tensions. Despite this, Taipei remains committed to engaging in dialogue and continuing international cooperation whenever possible.
