In a recent statement at the Legislative Yuan, Deputy Foreign Minister Shen Lyu-hsun guaranteed that the number of nations granting Taiwan visa-free privileges will reach 100 next year. And according to Jason Yuan, Taipei's representative to Washington D.C., the list may even include the United States.

During an interpellation on Wednesday, Deputy Foreign Minister Shen Lyu-shun stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' goal of having visa-waiver agreements in place with 120 nations by the Republic of China's centennial celebrations.

Asked whether the 120 nations would include the United States, Taipei's representative to Washington D.C., Jason Yuan, expressed optimism.

According to Yuan, a visa-waiver agreement between Taiwan and the U.S. is contingent on several conditions, including a visa application rejection rate lower than 3%, and stricter passport application guidelines.

Taiwan's visa rejection rate was 2.2% this year, and stricter application measures are set to be implemented next year.

Taiwan's abscondence rate has always been low, and Yuan is hopeful that mutual crime-fighting, terrorism information exchange, and lost and stolen passport reporting agreements can be reached.

Apart from processing time, tourists will be able to save 3,000 NT on application fees if a visa-waiver agreement is promulgated.

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