TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF, 海峽交流基金會) Secretary-general on Friday (Nov. 15) suggested that Chinese students visiting Taiwan explore aspects unavailable across the strait, such as Taiwan's democratic transformation. The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation (馬英九基金會) has invited Chinese students to Taiwan for cultural exchanges, prompting SEF Secretary-general Lo Wen-jia (羅文嘉) to emphasize the importance of these visits.
Lo stressed that the government welcomes dignified, equitable, and orderly cross-strait exchanges. He urged the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation to ensure arrangements align with the purpose and content of the application, considering this a basic requirement. He further highlighted the necessity of maintaining the sovereignty and democratic system of the Republic of China, Taiwan (中華民國).
Lo believes Taiwan's democratic transition offers valuable learning for Chinese students. It showcases how Taiwan peacefully evolved from an authoritarian regime to Asia's leading democracy. He emphasized the significance of experiencing Taiwan's freedom, diversity, and inclusivity, contrasting with China. Moreover, Lo hopes the visiting group will appreciate Taiwan's cultural diversity and respect for individuals.
Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑), executive director of the the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, announced that the government had approved visits from faculty and students from seven Chinese universities, including Tsinghua University (清華大學) in Beijing. The delegation plans to arrive in Taiwan on Nov. 27 and depart on Dec. 5.