“Our pragmatic efforts are paying dividends,” Ma said April 6. “Closer cross-strait relations stand to provide win-win-win outcomes for Taiwan, mainland China and the greater region.”
The president’s remarks came during a teleconference hosted by the Boston-based Harvard University Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies to mark his upcoming second year in office May 20.
During the session, Ma spoke frankly on a wide variety of issues. These included cross-strait ties, the proposed economic cooperation framework agreement with Beijing, efforts to improve Taiwan’s standing in the international community, and his personal approval ratings.
According to Ma, Taipei-Beijing ties have been transformed from a liability to an asset under his leadership. “Easing tensions, reducing the chances of armed conflict across the Taiwan Strait and embracing economic opportunities are central pillars in my administration’s cross-strait policy.”
The president, however, admitted that despite extensive progress in this area, Taiwan is paying the price for 10 years of cross-strait policy inaction and stressed the need to sign an ECFA with Beijing.
“I have always viewed mainland China as a risk and an opportunity,” Ma said. “But Taiwan ignores such an economic opportunity at the peril of being marginalized. The ECFA will serve as a critical framework for spearheading the nation’s return to the economic fore.”
Citing government efforts in providing aid to ROC South Pacific diplomatic allies and quake-stricken Haiti, Ma said the heart of his foreign policy is to rebuild mutual trust with all foreign partners.
“My administration is committed to becoming an independent and valuable contributor to the global system,” he said. “Taiwan must live up to its international responsibilities and potential.”
When asked about his low approval ratings, Ma attributed these to the sluggish economy and the process of reform. “It is important for the people of Taiwan to understand that reform must take place. This is a golden opportunity for me to push ahead with much-needed changes.”
Prominent scholars in attendance included FCCS Director William Kirby, FCCS Taiwan Studies Workshop Coordinator Steven Goldstein, East Asian Legal Studies Director William Alford, Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation Inter-University Director David Der-wei Wang, and Su Chi, former ROC National Security Council secretary-general and now Tamkang University Graduate Institute of Chinese Studies professor.
Top ROC officials participating in the conference included ROC Representative to the U.S. Jason Yuan and Anne Hung, director-general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston. (JSM)
Write to Chiayi Ho at chiayi@mail.gio.gov.tw