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Ma defends China
policy, says meeting Xi an option
NO, NO, NO: Deepening cross-strait ties is not
pushing a unification agenda, the president said, adding that if he meets Xi, he
will ensure the nation’s dignity is intact
By Mo Yan-chih / Staff reporter
A Next TV technician clips a
microphone to President Ma Ying-jeou’s tie for an interview at the station in
Taipei yesterday.
Photo: Fang Pin-chao, Taipei Times
President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday
said he did not rule out meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平), but
insisted that his administration would ensure the nation’s dignity is maintained
during such a meeting if one takes place.
In an interview with Next TV, Ma said the governments on either side of the
Taiwan Strait will have to “create some conditions” to facilitate a meeting
between him and Xi in the future.
“With the support of the Taiwanese people and ensuring that no harm is done to
the nation’s dignity, we do not exclude the possibility of holding a meeting
with Xi to further develop cross-strait relations,” he said.
In discussing his cross-strait policies, Ma brushed aside concerns about closer
cross-strait cooperation in economy and other aspects pushing Taiwan closer to
unification with China.
He reiterated his “three noes” policy — no unification, no independence and no
use of force — in handling cross-strait relations, which he said were the
public’s consensus.
“We continue to adhere to the principles of handling economic issues before
political ones, and setting easy agenda before difficult ones. Taiwan’s national
interests remain our top priority and we will not stop promoting cross-strait
relations because of some people’s misconception that this will lead the nation
towards unification,” he said.
Ma defended the establishment of representative offices on either side of the
Strait, insisting that the offices would only handle “administrative affairs,”
such as issuing travel documents.
When asked to comment on Beijing pushing for cross-strait political
negotiations, Ma acknowledged that China’s unification propaganda never stops,
but said that his administration will continue to insist on the sovereignty of
the Republic of China.
“We’ve been dealing with mainland governments for more than 20 years, no one
should underestimate Taiwan’s strength and the conviction of Taiwanese,” he
said.
Promoting peace across the Taiwan Strait while pursuing foreign relations with
other countries are the policy priorities this term, Ma said, adding that he
would continue the effort to push for cross-strait development and reviving the
economy.
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