China, Taiwan to discuss closer communications mechanisms

TAIPEI – The head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), Wang Yu-chi, sees his upcoming visit to Nanjing and Shanghai February 11-14) as a step forward in the institutionalisation of relations between Taiwan and China.

Wang said that, as the first MAC head to visit China, he feels considerable responsibility because "much still needs to be done". He intends to discuss establishing a communications mechanism between the MAC and China's Taiwan Affairs Office. Wang will meet with Zhang Zhijun, head of the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) under China's State Council.

Beyond discussing a communications mechanism, Wang said he will exchange views with Zhang on the state of cross-strait relations and joint participation in regional economic integration.

Also on the agenda will be improving medical protection for Taiwanese students studying in China and allowing staff members of each side's representative office in the other's territory to make humanitarian visits, once the offices are set up (ATI).