Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Andrew L.Y. Hsia and Executive Yuan Spokesperson Sun Lih-chyun discussed and answered questions about the Executive Yuan's draft statute governing oversight of cross-strait agreements on a live webcast from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight on YouTube.
The event went smoothly and successfully. Netizens enthusiastically participated: Peak viewership was 923, and there were 1,584 messages left by viewers and 9,313 hits.
Sun stated that in recent years the Taiwan and mainland areas have engaged in frequent and close interaction, raising public concern about cross-strait issues. In order to forge social consensus, the Executive Yuan organized this live webcast to elaborate, answer queries and dispel doubts about the statute through direct communication with netizens.
Minister Hsia reiterated that the purpose of promoting cross-strait agreements is to normalize and systematize cross-strait exchanges in order to usher in mutual understanding and safeguard peace and development across the Taiwan Strait. Thus, the planning and formulation of the draft statute must be based on the principles that cross-strait exchanges must not stop and the oversight statute must be viable.
A viable oversight statute on cross-strait agreements must be in line with the fundamental principles of the Constitution of the Republic of China regarding cross-strait relations, separation of powers and political responsibility. It must also be responsive to societal expectations of strengthened legislative supervision and civic engagement. Finally, while safeguarding the public's right to know, it must also have a mechanism to avoid revealing the ROC's negotiation trump card prematurely.
The Executive Yuan's version of the draft statute is based on a meticulous study of past negotiations and experiences as well as drafts proposed by various sectors. Its proposed bill is the most pragmatic, viable and constitutionally feasible for handling and supervision of cross-strait issues, Hsia said.
The MAC hopes the legislative procedures for the bill will be completed soon so that negotiations will proceed in an orderly manner, cross-strait exchanges can continue and the public's expectations are met.
The webcast can be viewed at the following address:
http://goo.gl/rU71QP
The Executive Yuan YouTube account Open Mic is located at http://goo.gl/GwzCJA.
More information is available at the Executive Yuan's Chinese-language Facebook page.