The Office of the President said that it welcomes the pragmatism displayed by mainland Chinese leader Wen Jiabao in a statement expressing his belief that the removal of missiles aimed at Taiwan will eventually be realized. Wen's words show political goodwill on the part of the mainland, and will be conducive to peace in the Taiwan Strait and regional security.
Tension between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait has gradually decreased since President Ma Ying-jeou took office. In particular, the international community has reacted very positively to the peaceful relations that have followed in the wake of liberalization of the Three Links, opening of Taiwan's doors to tourists from mainland China, and the signing of the cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement. This trend reflects international mainstream values and is the result of the joint efforts by the two sides, and people on both sides also are pleased by these developments.
President Ma has repeatedly stated publicly that Taiwan is a democratic society and that Taiwan's future shall be decided by its 23 million people. At the present stage, the government, based on the framework of the ROC Constitution, will continue to maintain the status quo of "no unification, no independence, and no use of force." In addition, based on the 1992 Consensus, the government will operate on the principle of putting Taiwan first for the benefit of the people, and it will also promote the development of mutual benefit and shared prosperity between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.