ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said improving cross-strait relations risk setbacks if mainland China does not do more to respect Taiwan’s international space.
“Mainland Chinese efforts to suppress Taiwanese participation in international nongovernmental organizations have irritated the people of Taiwan,” Ma said Nov. 14 in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency. “This attitude makes it difficult to enhance cross-strait exchanges.”
“It took one and a half years to conclude the cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement and reduce tensions with Beijing,” the president said. “It would be disappointing to see this hard-won mutual trust reduced.”
Citing the Jiang Ping incident at last month’s Tokyo International Film Festival, Ma said Taipei-Beijing relations could not weather too many more occurrences in the same vein without being affected.
Jiang Ping, leader of the mainland Chinese delegation at the film festival, demanded the Taiwanese delegation change its name from “Taiwan” to “Chinese Taipei” or “Taiwan, China” before the opening ceremony Oct. 23. The dispute led to both groups not participating in the high-profile launch.
“The two sides must face reality, build trust first and set aside controversies so as to create a win-win situation,” Ma said.
The president also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a positive international image of Taiwan as a peacemaker, provider of humanitarian aid, promoter of cultural ties and creator of new technologies and business opportunities.
