Mainland Affairs Council deputy chief Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正)/CNA file photo

Taipei, Nov. 3 (CNA) A Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) official expressed reservations on Friday about New Taipei's desire to open an office in China to serve its residents there, saying the issue must be handled by the MAC in accordance with the law.

Citing the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, MAC deputy chief Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the MAC, which is responsible in Taiwan for cross-Taiwan Strait affairs.

"It is a complex issue as it involves an extension of government authority in mainland China," Chiu explained.

"The MAC understands New Taipei City's desire to serve its citizens in China and is willing to help and provide information," he said.

"But it cannot be unilaterally handled by Taiwan or a local government because it also needs the approval of mainland authorities through cross-strait negotiations," which needs to be handled by the central government, he said.

Earlier in the day, New Taipei Mayor Eric Chu (朱立倫) expressed an interest in opening a liaison office in China after a city councilor proposed that the city should do so to serve New Taipei residents living there.

(By Miao Zong-han and Flor Wang)
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