Want China Times
Date: 2015-06-20
By: CNA

Tsai Ing-wen, chair of Taiwan’s major opposition Democratic Progressive Party, said Friday that the

Taiwan compatriot permits and passports at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan, June 18. (Photo/Chen Chi-chuan)

issue of travel documents issued by China to Taiwanese citizens should be settled through negotiation by both parties across the Taiwan Strait, adding that Beijing’s offer of permit-free treatment to Taiwanese visitors to China will inevitably have political connotations.

Tsai was asked at an event celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival in New Taipei to comment on the announcement by China’s State Council a day earlier stating that from July 1, Taiwanese travelers with a valid Taiwan Compatriot Permit need not apply for an entry permit to China.

Tsai suggested that the government should pay special attention to the policy and if necessary, attempt to negotiate with Beijing, so as to protect Taiwan’s dignity as well as maintain effective law enforcement.