Taiwan President Ma urges Beijing not to jeopardize cross-strait ties
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said improving cross-strait relations risk setbacks if mainland China does not do more to
respect Taiwan’s international space.
“Mainland Chinese efforts to suppress Taiwanese participation in international nongovernmental organizations have
irritated the people of Taiwan,” Ma said in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency recently. “This attitude
makes it difficult to enhance cross-strait exchanges.”
“It took one and a half years to conclude the cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement and reduce tensions
with Beijing,” the president said. “It would be disappointing to see this hard-won mutual trust reduced.”
Citing the Jiang Ping incident at last month’s Tokyo International Film Festival, Ma said Taipei-Beijing relations could
not weather too many more occurrences in the same vein without being affected.
Jiang Ping, leader of the Chinese delegation at the film festival, demanded the Taiwanese delegation change its name
from “Taiwan” to “Chinese Taipei” or “Taiwan, China” before the opening ceremony Oct. 23. The dispute led to both groups
not participating in the high-profile launch.
“The two sides must face reality, build trust first and set aside controversies so as to create a win-win situation,” Ma
said.
The president also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a positive international image of Taiwan as a
peacemaker, provider of humanitarian aid, promoter of cultural ties and creator of new technologies and business
opportunities
ENDS