NIA readys for upgraded 'mini links' with China

Wu said he did not know if the existing administration of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party had any plans to liberalize travel policies.

But he said the NIA would be able to take necessary measures to provide better services to travelers, including beefing up staff and expanding facilities.

The trip to Kinmen helped him in researching what new measures can and should be taken if the government announces new and liberalization policies toward China, Wu said.

Taiwan's relations with China have again become a major issue of debate in the presidential election campaign before voters go to the polling stations on March 22.

DPP candidate Frank Hsieh, a former premier, has intensified an attack on Ma's proposal to establish a Greater China common market with China with hopes to avoid the marginalization of Taiwan's economic development.

It has been widely attributed that closer business and investment ties with China have been a major factor in South Korea's economic boom in recent years.

But Hsieh has kept telling voters that Ma's proposal for a common market with China will result in more people in Taiwan losing their jobs.

Premier Chang has also denied a media report about holding a meeting to liberalize policies toward China and adopt steps to upgrade and expand the "mini three links" arrangement.

When asked by reporters, Ma stressed that he welcomes both tourists and capital investments from China.

But he assured the voters that he will not introduce laborers from China at the expense of local resident's working rights.

He also clarified that he will enact regulations prohibiting Chinese buyers who purchase local real estate properties from selling their assets within a period of five years.

This will be part of his auxiliary measures to prevent investors' engage in realty speculation in Taiwan if he is elected, Ma explained.

The nation's new president will assume office on May 20.

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