Taiwan Needs To Be On Good Terms With U.S., Japan, China: President Ma
President Ma Ying-jeou said June 15 that Taiwan must maintain good relations with its three key trading partners -- the
United States, Japan and mainland China.
"It's no easy task, but not unattainable, and we have made progress toward that goal over the past four years," Ma said.
He made the remarks while receiving visiting U.S. scholar Ezra F. Vogel, a Henry Ford II Professor of the Social
Sciences Emeritus at Harvard University.
Ma said he has attached great importance to improving relations with China since taking office in May 2008.
Through strenuous efforts, Ma said, relations with China are no longer a frustrating obstacle to Taiwan's development
and can now even help boost its growth.
At the same time, Ma told Vogel that his administration has never overlooked its longtime friendship with the U.S.,
especially cooperation in defense affairs.
Ma noted that Taiwan-U.S. relations are now even better than before.
Touching on Taiwan-Japan ties, Ma said this year marks the 40th anniversary of the breakup of diplomatic relations
between the two countries.
"We have come a long way since that dark moment," Ma said, adding that Taipei-Tokyo relations have continued to improve
over the past four years and are now in their best-ever shape.
A premium collection of ancient Chinese art treasures at the National Palace Museum in suburban Taipei will be on loan
to a Tokyo museum in the future under a cultural exchange program, Ma said, adding that the project is expected to
further boost mutual understanding and friendship.
Regarding relations with China, Ma also mentioned his administration's decision to allow local colleges to admit Chinese
students under a quota system.
"I'm glad to see young students from both sides of the Taiwan Strait studying together at our campuses," Ma said, adding
it is an encouraging development in bilateral ties.
ENDS