President Ma Ying-jeou on the morning of August 22 met with members of the United States Congressional U.S-China Economic and Security Review Commission. The president welcomed the delegation on behalf of the ROC government and the people of Taiwan.
President Ma said that this happens to be a perfect time for the delegation to visit Taiwan since cross-strait relations are entering a new phase. Over the past three months, he said, the new government has strived to reduce tension in relations between the two sides. The president noted that on a recent trip to diplomatic allies in Latin America, he made transit stops in the United States. During his stopovers, he either met or spoke over the telephone with over 30 members of Congress, exchanging opinions with them. He said that these American friends all indicated that the current direction of development with regards to cross-strait relations is in America's national interest.
President Ma also said that in the future in addition to continuing to hold negotiations with Mainland China on the expansion of trade and transportation links, the ROC hopes that the two sides can engage in a diplomatic truce in the international community. This would provide a respite for both sides and would also enable the international community an opportunity to breathe easier, he said.
The president stressed that while cross-strait relations are warming, the ROC still will continue to strengthen its friendly and cooperative relationship with the United States. He said the ROC hopes the United States will quickly agree to seven military procurement plans proposed by his government. This would enable Taiwan to maintain an effective ability to defend itself, he said. President Ma reiterated that the ROC's annual defense budget will be no less than 3% of GDP.
The visitors thanked President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with them. They also congratulated him on winning the presidential election earlier this year. In addition, the guests asked President Ma various questions concerning the future development of cross-strait relations.
The delegation from the Congressional U.S-China Economic and Security Review Commission included Mr. Dan Blumenthal, Mr. Peter Brooks, Mr. Jeffrey L. Fiedler, Mr. Dennis Clarke Shea, Mr. Daniel M. Slane, Mr. Patrick Mulloy, and Commission Vice Chairwoman Carolyn Bartholomew, who is also the leader of the delegation. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office in the morning to meet President Ma by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs David Y. L. Lin and American Institute in Taiwan Acting Director Robert Wang. Also in attendance was National Security Council Secretary-General Su Chi.