President Ma urges Beijing to step up reforms

President Ma urges Beijing to step up reforms

Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou called on mainland China to fulfill its obligations as the world’s second-largest economy by embracing democracy and promoting freedom, human rights and the rule of law.

“We expect Beijing to implement such reforms in the near future,” Ma said. “Taiwan can play an important part in this process through more frequent cross-strait exchanges.”

Ma made the remarks in an interview published by German-based weekly magazine Der Spiegel April 30.

The president also said that mainland Chinese students admitted to Taiwanese universities starting September will play an integral role in cross-strait exchanges after tasting the country’s freedom firsthand.

On the issue of Beijing’s aggressive military posture toward Taiwan, Ma said Taipei will not be drawn into a buildup of offensive weapons.

“In addition to upgrading the nation’s defense capabilities, we are conducting cross-strait trade and investment exchanges to help mainland China recognize the value of peaceful relations with Taiwan.”

But closer trade ties with Beijing do not mean Taipei is putting all its eggs in one basket, Ma said. “Taiwan continues to strengthen economic ties with countries and regions throughout the world,” he added.

Source: Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand

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