A Chinese mainland official said Wednesday that if Taiwan
authorities accept the "three direct links" as an internal affair
of the country and treat the relevant affairs accordingly, the
matter could be resolved quickly.
If Taiwan authorities adopt that position, the Chinese mainland
side will welcome civilian groups or trade organizations in Taiwan
to work with the mainland side for early accomplishment of the
three direct links, said Wang Zaixi, deputy director of the Taiwan
Affairs Office of the State Council, at a forum on cross-Strait
relations and economic and trade exchanges.
The "three direct links" refers to direct mail service, trade
and air and shipping services across the Taiwan Straits.
Wang acknowledged the mainland side has been working for years
for the early realization of the "three direct links" across the
Taiwan Straits in compliance with the principle of "one China,
direct two-way, reciprocal and mutual benefits".
However, Taiwan authorities have placed obstacles on the issue
over the past four years and maintained that foreign vessels should
be allowed to involve in cross-Strait shipping services, in an
attempt to internationalize the shipping routes.
"That's the fundamental reason for the delay in realizing the
cross-Strait three links," noted Wang.
The two-day forum, sponsored by the mainland-based Research
Center of Cross-Straits Relations, opened Wednesday in Hangzhou,
capital of east China's Zhejiang Province. Approximately 220 people
from across the Taiwan Straits, including renowned entrepreneurs,
economists and researchers, are attending the forum.
(Xinhua News Agency July 29, 2004)