Apr 01 , 2016
News
Government issues policy guidelines on Taiwan
By Ahmed A ChannaKARACHI: In what seems to be an effort to ensure strict compliance with Taiwan policies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has re-issued “policy guidelines” for the ministries/divisions and provincial authorities, Daily Times has learnt.
The ministry has a letter to the chief secretaries of all the provinces with clear instruction to follow the guidelines as far as Taiwan issue is concerned. “It has come to the notice that a number of ministries/division are not abiding by the policy guidelines on Taiwan which were issued earlier. It is hereby clarified that there is no change in Pakistan’s policy towards Taiwan. Pakistan does not recognise Taiwan as a state but as an integral part of the People’s Republic of China.
In view of Chinese sensitivity towards issues relating to Taiwan, circumspect handling of such matters become necessary,” according to a letter available with Daily Times. According to the guidelines, Pakistan does not recognise Taiwan as a separate entity but part of China. Accordingly, Pakistan does not have any diplomatic or consular relations with Taiwan. Similarly, no official contact, of any type, is maintained with Taiwan. Pakistan remains strongly opposed to any attempts by Taiwan to create two Chinas or One China, One Taiwan or Taiwan independence.
This commitment is reflected Article II of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighbourly Relations between Pakistan and China concluded in 2005. The term Republic of China cannot be used in any form/communication which might imply recognition of Taiwan. If necessary, it instead can be referred to as Taiwan, China or Chinese Taipei. No official contacts are allowed with Taiwan. Taiwanese authority owned vessels are not allowed to enter Pakistan. Non-governmental Taiwan ships, not flying the Taiwan flag, can touch our seaports. Vessels flying Taiwan flag cannot enter Pakistan’s seaports.
Trade: There are no restrictions on trade with Taiwan subject to the following conditions that include trade is conducted strictly on un-official basis and through private sector only, no direct contacts to be made with Taiwan authority agencies, no Pakistani government functionary can visit Taiwan, no Taiwan authority functionary can visit Pakistan, government/official investment from Taiwan is not allowed into Pakistan, exchange of delegation(s) is not allowed, no publicity is given to Pakistan’s trade or commercial contacts with Taiwan while private businessmen can, technically, interact with Taiwan parties. The various chambers of commerce may also be appropriately briefed regarding their dealing with Taiwan.
Sports: The flag or emblem of Taiwan should not be on display, the sportsmen or team should not be referred to as representing Taiwan. Taiwanese athletes during their stay in Pakistan should not be engaging in any activity aimed at splitting China.
Consular matters: Business or transit visas can be issued to residents of Taiwan on a separate paper of affidavit but not on Taiwan travel documents. The affidavits are advised by Ministry of Interior, Pakistan and Mission in Hong Kong is authorised to issue visas on these affidavits, no visa application from holder of official or diplomatic Taiwanese travel documents to be entertained. It is cautioned that some residents of Taiwan may misuse the business or transit visa to get involved in anti-China activities. A thorough scrutiny of the visa application is necessary.
For notarisation of Taiwan related documents, Pakistan nationals should have their documents notarised in advance in Taiwan and then the Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan shall issue separate notarisation for them. As such consular attestation may not be necessary.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk