Taipei: An essay competition co-organized by a local writing society and a publisher affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) may have violated the Cross-Strait Act, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced. MAC deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh highlighted concerns regarding the partner organization, identified as an agency under the CCP's Fujian Provincial Committee, and the competition's involvement in facilitating all-expenses-paid trips for Taiwanese students to China.
According to Focus Taiwan, the activities are seen as potential violations of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, commonly known as the Cross-Strait Act. Liang emphasized that the characteristics of CCP-affiliated partnerships and financial incentives could qualify as "cooperative activity" under Article 33-1 of the law, which prohibits collaboration with political organizations.
The MAC's announcement follows its earlier statement that the Ministry of Education will investigate the competition, titled "Reading a Good Book Together." Jointly organized by the Taipei-based Republic of China Zhang Fa Society and China's Straits Publishing and Distributing Group, the event is described as a cross-strait reading and writing exchange program. Aimed at Taiwanese teachers and students, the competition promotes cultural exchange and offers cash prizes totaling NT$200,000 (US$6,390). Participants can also join a study tour in Fujian.
Liang noted that the competition's first edition was featured on the website of the 16th Straits Forum, which the MAC regards as a platform for China's "united front" efforts. While not all cross-strait student exchanges breach the Cross-Strait Act, Liang pointed out that activities heavily financed by China and involving CCP officials warrant scrutiny.
The Zhang Fa Society, in response, described the competition as a goodwill cultural exchange and urged against overinterpretation. The MAC remains vigilant in monitoring activities that may align with China's evolving "united front" tactics.