Politics

Ma stresses pragmatic cross-strait relations

• Publication Date：07/09/2010
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Chiayi Ho

ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said July 8 that cross strait relations should be promoted in line with the principles of facing reality, building trust, setting aside controversies and creating a win-win situation.

“We believe the improving state of cross-strait relations is conducive to maintaining regional and world peace, and Taiwan’s development can be recognized internationally under the current mainland policy,” President Ma said while meeting delegation members leaving to attend the Cross-Strait Forum.

The forum, hosted by the Kuomintang and Chinese Communist Party, is taking place July 8 to 11 in the mainland city of Guangzhou. It is co-chaired by Wu Po-hsiung, honorary KMT chairman, and Chia Chinglin, chairman of the mainland’s National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Established by former KMT Chairman Lien Chan and CCP General-Secretary Hu Jintao in 2005, the forum is an unofficial platform dedicated to promoting cross-strait development in areas such as economy, agriculture, culture, education and tourism.

The theme for this year’s meeting is “Strengthening cooperation in emerging industries and boosting the competitiveness of both sides.” Issues to be discussed pertain to renewable energy, environmental protection, carbon emissions, cross-strait economic cooperation and cultural education.

The president said given that the government is prioritizing the development of new renewable energy industries, it would be of great help for Taiwan to be involved in this discussion. “For instance, Taiwan’s renewable energy technology is ranked sixth in the world and trails only Japan in Asia,” Ma said.

“Moreover, the island’s solar energy and LED industries each maintain a competitive edge in the global market,” Ma said. “We hope that the two sides can reach consensus regarding cooperation in these areas.”

Taiwan’s delegation to the forum is composed of KMT and non-KMT members, including KMT Vice Chairman Lin Feng-cheng, Minister without Portfolio Tsai Hsung-Hsiung, KMT Legislator Chiang Hsiao-yen, former Minister of the Council of Agriculture under the Democratic Progressive Party administration Fan Cheng-tzung and former DPP Legislator Hsu Jung-shu. (THN)

Write to Chiayi Ho at chiayi@mail.gio.gov.tw