Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou said Nov. 3 that Taiwan has adopted a unique model for relations with mainland China, allowing the two sides to develop lasting peace.

“This model has to led to profound exchanges and increased mutual understanding,” Ma said.

Taiwan’s relations with mainland China are based on the framework of the ROC Constitution, the status quo of no unification, no independence and no use of force, and the 1992 consensus of ‘one China, different interpretations,’ he explained.

Ma’s remarks came during a reception at the Presidential Office for foreign delegates to an international academic symposium on mainland China’s development paradigm.

Ma said his administration has been safeguarding Taiwan’s sovereignty and security since he took office in May 2008, with fruitful outcomes resulting from improving cross-strait relations.

The two sides have signed 16 agreements, and Taiwan has expanded its participation in international affairs, attending the World Health Assembly as an observer, inking an investment accord with Japan, initiating talks with Singapore on an economic cooperation agreement and launching ECA feasibility studies with New Zealand, the president pointed out.

Mutual trust between Taiwan and the U.S., Japan and EU has also increased over the past three years due to healthy cross-strait relations, Ma said.

“All of these developments are proof that cross-strait relations and international engagement are not opposed to one another, but rather two parallel paths that can co-exist and be developed at the same time,” he added.

Rachel Chan
[email protected]
taiwantoday.tw