Mainland Chinese Overseas Students in the U.S. and Canada May Applyfor Funds to Visit Taiwan

Minister without Portfolio Shen Chun-shan pointed out a few days ago that overseas students and visiting scholars from mainland China who are studying natural science, engineering, or economics in the United States or Canada will, in the near future, be able to apply to come to Taiwan for two weeks based on the "Guidelines for Establishing Financial Assistance for Visits to Taiwan."

The first set of applications will be accepted before April 10. A list of those qualified will be issued by May 10. The first group approved to come to Taiwan will then do so in mid to late June. Minister Shen stated that the fund was entirely financed by contributions from local business. Currently there is US$85,000 available.

In principle, the number of spots for this year is 40, with each person receiving from US$1900 to $2100 (including air fare and spending money in Taiwan). Applications require basic data (name in English and Chinese, date and place of birth, address, current school and field of study, educational background, specialized experience, publications, and honors, and whether or not the applicant has passed Ph.D. qualifying exams to become a Ph.D. candidate or has already received the Ph.D.); a self-description of 300 words or less (in English or Chinese), including past experience and future plans; two letters of recommendation (of which one is written by a professor of Chinese descent). Mail or FAX the materials to:

Ms. Vicky Kuo Cheng

P.O. Box 50244

Palo Alto, California 94301

FAX number: 4153268948

Shen Chun-shan pointed out that the application process is in two stages. First, a consultation and review committee is responsible for review of applications. Their basic requirement is to look for potential for outstanding achievement. Leadership ability and personal character will also be considered. This committee is chaired by Lee Yuan-tseh, and includes Hsiang Wu-chung, Cheng Hung, Paul Chu, Wang Chuo, Tiao Chin-sai, Fei Ching-han, Wu Teh-ming. The first six are members of the Academia Sinica, the latter a famous economist.

In the second stage, the committee will forward a list of qualified candidates to the Ministry of Education. Those applicants who are approved can visit Taiwan for two weeks, not earlier than the last third of June. Shen Chun-shan stated that this year's group will be divided into visits for summer and winter vacation.

Controls Strengthened on Rare Animal Products; Taking Them In or Out Requires Certification

Buying products like alligator shoes or an ivory mahjong set while abroad is seen more and more. However, soon the government will take measures to control this. Any products made with wild animals listed for strengthened protection cannot be brought in or out of the country at will. The purpose is to protect the long-term existence of the animals.

The Council of Agriculture, one of the units involved, has already announced two administrative orders. One is "Important Points For Approval of Import or Export of Protected Plants and Animals" and the other, which has direct significance to ordinary people, "Regulations for carrying or shipping Protected Plants and Animals."

As for restricting items carried by travelers, the COA said it has already agreed with customs that in the future there will be strict inspection based on the above mentioned "Regulations." Rare plants or animals specified in the ROC's cultural resources law as well as in Appendix I of the Washington Treaty (CITES) cannot be brought in or out at will. It will be necessary to first apply to the COA.

According to the "Regulations" stipulations, many commonly seen items will be controlled, for example: alligator purses, belts, and shoes; elephant ivory; sable; lizard shoes, purses, and belts; leopard skin; tiger skins or bones; rhinoceros horns.

However, travel abroad is flourishing, and in particular Chinese like to buy things. If there is no way to tell if something is controlled, the "Regulations" stipulates that one must provide a certificate of purchase as well as a permit for taking the item out of the country of origin, provided by the local government. For example, for an alligator purse, you must provide proof that it is made with alligator raised in captivity and not born in the wild. Only then will it be permitted to bring the item back in. Otherwise it will be confiscated and there will be a penalty.