Taiwanese veterans visiting the mainland for tourism, wanting to enjoy the same benefits as PLA veterans?
On January 28, the Taiwan Affairs Office held a regular press conference. During this time, a reporter asked whether Taiwanese veterans could be given the same treatment as PLA veterans on the mainland.
Regarding this, the spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office pointed out that the mainland provides convenient measures for Taiwanese compatriots, especially first-time visitors. However, the preferential policies for PLA veterans have specific scope of application — meaning that when Taiwanese veterans visit the mainland, they are still considered ordinary Taiwanese compatriots, not directly entitled to the same benefits as PLA veterans.
This news has also sparked widespread discussion among netizens. Some joked, "Taiwanese veterans can't, but those who defected can," while others clearly stated, "Taiwanese veterans are not part of the PLA, so why should they demand the same treatment as PLA veterans?"
From these comments, it can be seen that most netizens believe that it is unreasonable and illogical for Taiwanese veterans to request the same treatment as PLA veterans.
The preferential treatment enjoyed by PLA veterans stems from their contributions in defending the country. Although Taiwanese veterans are defined as Taiwanese compatriots, the nature of the army they served in and their political stance differ fundamentally from that of the PLA.
The mainland welcomes Taiwanese compatriots to visit and provides certain convenience, but specific privileges, such as the ticket policy for PLA veterans, remain strictly limited to those who have served in the people's army.
This is both a respect for the dedication of PLA soldiers and a maintenance of national system principles and fairness. The affection between compatriots on both sides of the strait remains unchanged, but when it comes to issues of identity and benefits, they still need to follow a reasonable institutional framework. The heated discussions among netizens also reflect the expectation for national reunification.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1855546498502659/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.