The president noted that the CSIS was originally founded under Georgetown University and has become one of the preeminent centers for research into international relations and strategic issues in the United States. The institution devotes considerable attention to East Asian issues, especially relations between Taiwan and mainland China. The president commented that a delegation from the CSIS visited Taiwan in October of last year and that the organization has now sent another group here in light of the 30th anniversary of the passage and implementation of the Taiwan Relations Act. These visits to Taiwan are extremely significant, he said.
President Ma furthermore said that he has strived to improve cross-strait relations since he assumed office last year. Over the same period, relations between Taiwan and the United States have entered a new phase. Between 2000 and 2008, a number of difficulties were encountered in cross-strait ties, and insufficient mutual trust was seen in the relationship between Taiwan and the United States. As a result, he said, he has set a priority of improving relations with mainland China and the United States since taking office. With the warming of ties between Taiwan and mainland China, an atmosphere of peace has begun to emerge in the Taiwan Strait. At the same time, relations between Taiwan and the United States have strengthened and mutual trust has been resumed at the highest levels. President Ma said he is delighted by this course of events.
The president commented that in addition to enhanced relations with the United States, Taiwan's ties with Japan have also developed in a positive manner. President Ma said that Taiwan has designated 2009 as "The Year to Foster the Special Partnership between Taiwan and Japan" and that Japan's response has been quite favorable. He said that the rapprochement in cross-strait relations not only is creating a more stable and peaceful atmosphere in the Taiwan Strait, but also is increasing regional stability and boosting Taiwan's relationship with other friendly and allied nations. We are witnessing a win-win situation on many fronts, he said.
President Ma expressed his appreciation to the United States for its long support for the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). He noted that six American presidents have served throughout the history of the TRA and each has faithfully carried out the TRA. In addition, American leaders have also provided constructive suggestions, enabling the legislation to serve as an important pillar in maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and the relationship between Taiwan and the United States. The president expressed that since taking office, he has seen how the TRA in many situations has promoted peace and benefitted Taiwan, the United States and mainland China. This may not have been expected when the TRA was first drafted, he said.
Dr. Hamre expressed his appreciation on behalf of the delegation to President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with them. He fully endorsed President Ma's appraisal of the TRA, adding that he believes the TRA is important not only in the context of Taiwan-US relations, but also serves as a milestone in relations between the United States and mainland China.