Dear Mr. Tung Chee-hwa ,

It is the time for scholars and experts from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau to talk about relations as well as various problems facing Taiwan-Macau-Hong Kong-Beijing relationship in the near future. We, urged Beijing to adopt a pragmatic attitude toward engagements between Taiwan and Macau after the Portuguese colony reverts to mainland China's rule late this year.

The reports (Taipei, April 3) Lin Chong-pin, vice chairman of the cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) made the appear at the opening session of a two day seminar on Taiwan-Macau relations, "we also hope mainland leaders will not make too mush fuss over 'label' or designation issues," Lin said, adding that mainland authorities should deal with Taiwan-Macau engagements in a pragmatic manner and based on a reciprocal "win-win" principle. Lin went on to say that Taiwan and Macau have maintained mutually beneficial relations based on the principle of reciprocity, two-way trade reached US$ 360 million in 1998, with Taiwan enjoying a trade surplus of US$ 270 million.

Meanwhile; Lin said, Taiwan people made 820,000 visit to Macau last year, making Taiwan Macau's second largest source of tourists, second only to mainland China. The number of Taiwan-Macau flights now accounts for 55.77 percent of Macau's total air traffic volume. Moreover, over 5,000 Macau residents have studied at various Taiwan universities or colleges over the past few years. The number of Macau residents who regularly work in Taiwan ranges between 15,000 to 20,000. "All these figures point to the ever closer relationship between Taiwan and Macau," Lin noted, adding that the ROC looks forward to seeing continued growth in Taiwan-Macau exchanges even after Beijing reclaims the colony.

In our views, Hong Kong could act as a bridge for "modification" under the spirits of one country, two or three systems, that Taiwan can talk anything to Hong Kong and Macau. It is a comfort, this is the first time that Taipei has expressed its stance on issues related to the designation of its representative office in Macau. We optimize that on your position could give a hand over "win-win" principle.