RE: Earthquake in Taiwan

["Teoh, Jonathan" <eagle@eastman.com>]

>waiting for Beijing's approval. Since HK became SAR, most citizens hold a
>Chinese/SAR passport. I know for a fact that Taiwan immigration had a
strict
>procedure for entry by Hong Kong people even before 1997.  They need to
>apply for an entry permit and carry the passport too. Getting the permit
>itself can take a day or more. I was blocked from entry once when I thought
>the permit was the only thing needed, because you can't obtain the permit
>without the passport. This happened before 1997. After 1997, I have not
>travelled to Taiwan, but I believe the restriction can only get worse. On
>the other hand, Taiwan allows US and other foreign "passing through"
>visitors for temporary stay without pre-application for entry permit. This
>is the information I know 6-7 years ago now. Please update if it is not
>correct.

You can get your visa or entry permit right at the Taipei's airport amid 
a hefty fees($100?).  I know of some ordinary Malaysian citizen who went to 
China for medical treatment but was denied the entry for no reason(that 
was back in Mao's era). 

US is an important ally to Taiwan while China is technically at war with
Taiwan. 
There is NO FORMAL cease-fire treaty signed by both, just informal goodwill
gestures by both to stay away from war (until recently). Hong Kong is a free
region and is an active spy center for both to operate on. Just remember the

labor unrest in Hong Kong assisted by the communist. Likewise the China's 
assistance to communist activities in Malaysia and Singapore. It is no
surprise 
at all Taiwan watch Hong Kong with a weary eyes. In fact, Malaysia and
singapore 
forbid Malaysian Chinese travel to China until recent years but let US enter

MYS/SING freely. Certainly MYS/SING are not "worshipping" the West, or are
they?

On a more enlightening note, Taiwan allows mainland spouse to stay in Taiwan
up 
to 6 months at a time(I do not know if there is any recent changes) while 
Hong Kong only let mainland spouse stay in Hong Kong 3 months at a time. 
Recently Taiwan also increase resident quota for mainland spouse to migrate 
to Taiwan. 

On the political side, Taiwan's recent apparent move from unification
probably 
might not do not bore well for the Hakka culture in Taiwan.

A side comment on Hakka associations. Hakka associations around the world 
should be concerned about preserving Hakka culture and forging a global 
Hakka alliance focusing on cultural and economical issues rather than
becoming 
political pawns for the various political parties with various agenda. 



Jonathan Teoh       423-229-6506
Corporate Quality,  Eastman Chemical Company