President Ma Ying-jeou on the morning of May 29 at the Presidential Office met with United States Congresswoman Jean Schmidt. The president, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), expressed a warm welcome to Congresswoman Schmidt.
President Ma said Congresswoman Schmidt has a formidable background in the political and economic circles. She pays close attention to topics important to the people of her community. She has a high reputation in the political arena both throughout the United States and in her Congressional district, and she serves as a successful model for a politician, the president said. President Ma said Taiwan and the United States have enjoyed friendly relations for over half a century. He said he hopes Congresswoman Schmidt will use her influence in the United States to further promote bilateral cooperation based on the existing framework that allows close interaction.
In speaking of the outcome of the recent presidential election on Taiwan, President Ma said that this is the first time in a Chinese society that the party in power has changed twice. He said that this is a rare achievement and that he is confident Taiwan's successful democratic experience will serve as an example for other nations. President Ma added that Taiwan still has a long road to travel to reach the level of democracy experienced by advanced nations. Nonetheless, in comparison with mainland China, Taiwan's democratic development can serve a critical role in helping to open the door there to democracy.
President Ma also expressed his opinions on the future development of cross-strait relations. He stressed that Taiwan wants to serve in the role of peacemaker rather than troublemaker. He said he hopes that based on the 1992 Consensus in which both sides recognize there is only one China but agree to differ on its definition, Taiwan and mainland China can work to improve relations with each other. However, this must be based on maintaining Taiwan's autonomy and dignity. He said he hopes a platform can be created to enable equal communication and peaceful coordination. President Ma noted that while this is an extremely tough challenge, he will do his utmost to help realize peaceful dialogue between the two parties in order to create a mutually beneficial environment for both sides.
President Ma thanked Congresswoman Schmidt for visiting Taiwan. He said that except for the foreign dignitaries who came to Taiwan to attend the presidential and vice presidential inauguration ceremonies, Congresswoman Schmidt is the first American congressman he has met since taking office as president. He noted that this is Congresswoman Schmidt's first visit to Taiwan and he hopes that she will take advantage of the opportunity to witness the development achieved by Taiwan.
Congresswoman Schmidt said she has long heard about Taiwan's efforts and contributions in the areas of democracy, economic development and human rights. She said she is extremely honored to have the opportunity to visit Taiwan and said she expects Taiwan's democratic development will continue to serve as a beacon for mainland China, enabling the fruits of democracy to be realized there at an early date.