The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced that Australia is formally raising its relations with Taiwan and is simplifying procedures for R.O.C. nationals to obtain visas to travel to Australia as a first step. This is the first clear step that the Australian government has taken in line with its intention to improve its relations with Taiwan since the Tienanmen massacre of June 4 last year.
The Republic of China broke relations with Australia in 1972, after the country recognized the Chinese Communists, and because of the lack of formal diplomatic relations, Australia felt it could not issue visas on Taiwan. Instead, they were handled through its consulate in Hong Kong and then sent back to Taiwan, the entire process requiring five days to a week to complete.
The new visa process will make use of a computer hookup and require Just 24 hours to complete. Details have yet to be announced.
At the same time, Australia's Qantas Airlines is highly optimistic about the possibility of direct flights between Taiwan and Australia and has already set up a subsidiary called Australia-Asia Airlines to handle the route.
@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)
