Taipei, May 31 (CNA) Premier Lin Chuan said Wednesday that the government's New Southbound Policy does not seek confrontation with China but rather aims to continue cooperation between the two sides to increase Taiwan's chances of working with other countries in Southeast and South Asia.
Lin made the remarks while addressing a gathering in Taoyuan of Taiwan business operators based in China who came back home for the Dragon Boat Festival, which fell on Tuesday.
Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Tien Hung-mao also spoke of joint efforts with China to expand opportunities for Taiwanese businesses.
"Like the two rows of athletes in a dragon boat, Taiwan and China need to make concerted efforts" to move cross-Taiwan Strait ties forward, and this is not the responsibility of just one side," Tien said.
Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan said he understands the dilemma of Taiwanese investors doing business in China, saying they were sandwiched between "business needs" and "political risks."
"Taiwan is your best support," he told the gathering, promising to help relieve the pressure on the businesses. "Our aim is a win-win-win situation for Taiwan, China and Taiwan businesspeople," Cheng said.
