President Ma Ying-jeou met on the morning of April 14 at the Presidential Office with American scholars who took part in the International Conference on 30 Years of Taiwan Relations Act (TRA)—Retrospect and Prospects. The president extended a cordial welcome to the scholars on behalf of the government of the ROC (Taiwan) and exchanged opinions with them on a broad range of topics, including the cross-strait policies of the new administration here as well as relations with the United States.
The president said that his administration since taking office has worked aggressively to improve relations with mainland China and foster interaction and cooperation between the two sides, including the opening of charter flights between Taiwan and China, the launch of the "Three Links," and the relaxation of restrictions on mainland tourists visiting Taiwan. All of these initiatives have been taken in an effort to bolster Taiwan's economy, he said.
President Ma furthermore commented that he has consistently believed sovereignty issues involving the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not something that will be resolved in the short term. Nonetheless, issues must be handled in a pragmatic manner, and the "1992 Consensus" is a good basis and starting point for this, he said. Both sides can first engage in mutual non-denial of the other. In addition, the Straits Exchange Foundation and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait have established a good avenue for communication, enabling urgent issues to be resolved through a cooperative mechanism. The president pointed to a number of areas where substantive progress has made and mutual benefits will accrue, such as combating crime, food safety, investment protection, avoiding double taxation and opening Taiwan to investment from mainland China.
President Ma said the possibility of signing an Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with mainland China is being discussed in many quarters in Taiwan, and that he hopes a consensus will be reached on the issue. He noted that the ECFA will not only assist in normalizing economic relations between the two sides, but will also help Taiwan avoid being marginalized in the region. Moreover, the agreement will enhance the degree of globalization in Taiwan. The president said that after a number of meetings with local industry, businessmen are gradually coming to understand the principles of the ECFA and that the government's objective in promoting this agreement is not aimed at the present, but rather with the future in mind. The ECFA will not simultaneously address all issues. Instead, measures will be adopted gradually, thereby helping industries in Taiwan avoid being harmed, according to the president.
President Ma added that his policy of "no unification, no independence, and no use of force" is aimed at maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait under the framework of the ROC Constitution. This will promote normalization of economic and trade relations between Taiwan and mainland China, and strengthen mutual interaction and understanding, while reducing possible friction. This is not only in the mutual interest of both sides, but also is something that he believes the United States will welcome.
President Ma told the guests that communication between Taiwan and the United States is presently quite smooth and that relations between the two countries are progressing well. Mutual confidence has also been restored at the highest levels. The president expressed his confidence that mainland China is also pleased with these developments. This is the so-called "win-win-win" situation for all sides that he mentioned during his address to the conference on April 12.