Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Ma Ying-jeou on the afternoon of July 22 at the Presidential Office met with US-Taiwan Business Council Chairman of the Board Paul D. Wolfowitz. The president, on behalf of the Republic of China government and 23 million people of , extended a warm welcome and appreciation to Mr. Wolfowitz.

President Ma noted that Mr. Wolfowitz in the past served as President of the World Bank and Deputy Secretary of Defense. He said that Mr. Wolfowitz has long been an international friend to and supporter of , and therefore he is extremely pleased to personally meet with him today.

President Ma said that since his election on March 22 and his inauguration on May 20, the government has given significant support and assistance. He particularly pointed out that after he was elected, President George W. Bush sent a congratulatory message to him. In the message, President Bush lauded as a beacon of democracy in and the world. The president said this symbolizes that Taiwan-US relations have entered a new stage. The most important change, President Ma said, is that the United States is no longer concerned that Taiwan will take unilateral action to change the status quo. He said that cross-strait relations are entering a new era in which stability, peace and the pursuit of prosperity are being stressed. He said that President Bush and President Hu Jintao spoke over the phone on March 26. During their conversation, the topic of the “1992 Consensus” between the two sides of the was discussed. President Hu mentioned that both sides had an understanding on the stance of “one , respective interpretations.” President Ma said he believes that this position will have an important impact on the development of relations between the two sides of the .

President Ma furthermore said that given this climate, cross-strait relations are progressing smoothly. The two sides in the middle of June resumed negotiations that had been suspended for 10 years, and both agreed, starting in July, to commence direct charter flights between the two sides during the weekends. has also liberalized tourism to by tourists from Mainland . President Ma stressed that as never happening in the past decades, this marks an extremely important turning point in ’s history. At the same time, the and no longer need to be concerned of the outbreak of a conflict in the . As a result, more attention can be focused on strengthening substantive ties in other areas of the relationship. In addition, if cross-strait relations can proceed in the planned path and direction, peace and prosperity will prevail in the . The area will no longer be a potential flash point for military conflict. The and will be able to concurrently develop friendly relations with and Mainland without having to worry that military action will be seen between the two sides of the , he said. This also means that the and will not be forced to take sides or to make difficult decisions in the event of a conflict between the two sides. 

President Ma also said that he is confident that changes in the direction of ’s development will also change ’s destiny. Even though time will be needed to forge peace and prosperity in the , he said he is certain that future development between the two sides will move down this path.

Chairman Wolfowitz expressed his gratitude to President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. He said that will receive even more support from the amid an improvement in relations between and Mainland .