President Ma Ying-jeou outlined his three-pronged strategy for bolstering ROC national security during a teleconference hosted by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies May 12.
“Institutionalizing cross-strait rapprochement, enhancing Taiwan’s contributions to international development and aligning defense with diplomacy are key to ensuring the ROC’s longevity,” Ma said.
“The cross-strait rapprochement that began three years ago continues to bear fruit and increase regional peace and stability,” Ma said, adding that this process hinges on taking advantage of shared interests and minimizing political disagreements.
Despite warming Taipei-Beijing ties, Ma said, Taiwan still needs to upgrade its defense capabilities so as to maintain an equal footing at the negotiation table with mainland China.
“The U.S. must help Taiwan level the playing field,” Ma said, urging Washington to sell Taipei weapons such as the F-16 C/Ds and diesel-powered submarines.
The president also said Taiwan’s national security is heavily dependent on how it contributes to the international community.
Taiwan must shoulder its own responsibilities in the world and play the part of a responsible stakeholder, Ma said. “Our nation’s political and economic survival depends entirely on how well we uphold the peace and stability of the international system.”
Ma said his administration will continue transforming Taiwan into a valuable member of the international community while conducting “no frills, no surprise” diplomacy. This strategy, along with the friendship of the U.S., will make the ROC more secure and prosperous for many years to come, he added.
According to the Presidential Office, the teleconference attracted about 150 participants, including U.S. government officials, academics and members of the media. (JSM)
Write to Elaine Hou at elainehou@mail.gio.gov.tw