The Chinese mainland will remove entry permit requirements for Taiwan residents from July the 1st. And by the end of this year, a passport-like permit which also serves as a form of identification during Taiwan residents' stay on the mainland will be simplified into a card. Ma Xiaoguang, the spokesperson of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, says these two policies will promote people to people exchanges between the two sides.
"The card is the electronized version of the paper permit. The name 'Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents' has not changed, its function has not changed, and its period of validity is still five years. By the end of the year, Taiwan residents will be able to use the card to enter the Chinese mainland easily at Customs. This will be more convenient for them," said Ma.
Ma also said that the mainland welcomes Hung Hsiu-chu's candidacy for Taiwan leadership. He said the mainland welcomes all parties and individuals who are against "Taiwan independence" and recognise the "1992 Consensus". The Mainland, he said, will continue to promote peaceful development of Cross-Strait relations.
