Taiwan's MAC: China's 10 Cross-Strait Measures Need Formal Government Talks, Cites 'Raise, Trap, Kill' Tactic

Taipei, Taiwan – The central government, through its Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), has firmly stated that Beijing's recent slate of 10 cross-strait initiatives, which include restoring individual travel for residents of Shanghai and Fujian to Taiwan, cannot proceed without formal government-level negotiations. MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng articulated the government's clear stance, emphasizing that these measures touch upon core national security and the exercise of governmental authority. Therefore, they necessitate evaluation by official government bodies and formal consultation between both sides before any arrangements can be made.

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These all involve core national security and the exercise of government public authority, requiring evaluation by government agencies and formal consultation between both governments before appropriate arrangements can be made.

Minister Chiu did not mince words in his assessment of Beijing's proposals, labeling them as "sugar-coated poison" and a classic "raise, trap, kill" strategy. Drawing on historical experiences and public sentiment, he pointed out that such preferential measures, often presented as gifts, have a pattern of being abruptly halted under flimsy pretexts. This unpredictability, he argued, causes significant losses for Taiwanese farmers and fishermen, turning what appears to be a benefit into a detrimental tool of political leverage. The MAC minister cited examples like the sudden ban on Taiwanese fruit imports or restrictions on fish exports, which were often lifted only after political figures aligned with Beijing's agenda, such as endorsing the "1992 Consensus."

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If the road is open, descendants will succeed.

While local leaders like Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen have called on the central government to facilitate these exchanges for the sake of people's livelihoods and cross-strait goodwill, the MAC maintains its position. Minister Chiu reiterated that any cross-strait interactions must be based on principles of reciprocity and dignity, and that platforms established by political parties bypassing the government are invalid. He stressed that accepting Beijing's political preconditions, like the "1992 Consensus," would undermine Taiwan's sovereignty and national identity, equating it to endorsing annexation rather than pursuing peace. The government supports healthy and orderly exchanges but insists they must follow established channels and respect Taiwan's democratic system.

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I hope the central government will not block the way and will consider the people's livelihood, not using people's exchanges as political bargaining chips.