﹝不幸誤闖‧枯燥乏味‧恕不負責﹞

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謹按：

前國安會祕書長蘇起：台灣處境是「三大之間難為小」，因此應該要廣結善緣，不過度恐懼、自我封閉，以「和陸、友日、親美」﹝rapprochement with Beijing, be friends with Japan  ,pro-American﹞的政策主軸，維持台灣的安全繁榮。

President Ma emphasizes no use of force

ROC Central News Agency

2011/05/01 23:19:46

Berlin, May 1 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou of the Republic of China told German media that Taiwan will adhere to the principle of no unification, no independence, no use of force in promoting relations with mainland China.

Ma made the remarks in an interview with German weekly magazine Spiegel at the Presidential Office in late April.

President Ma pointed out in the interview which was published in the May issue of the weekly that Taiwan can only extend some kind of influence towards the mainland, if both sides talk to each other.

"According to our Constitution, we will adhere to the principle of no unification, no independence, no use of force, " said the president, referring to the relations with the Chinese mainland.

He added that "This is a clear policy which reflects the expectation of the majority of Taiwanese people and is in the best interest of Taiwan."

While the Chinese mainland has become the largest market for Taiwanese products, President Ma said that Taiwan is seeking not to rely only on that market.

In order to minimize the risks, "We do not put all the eggs into one basket. Nevertheless, mainland China is the biggest basket among all. It would not be wise not to do so," he said.

Regarding Taiwan's national defense, the president said that in addition to military strength, Taiwan is seeking to develop its " soft power" through promoting culture, economy and trade.

He said that Taiwan has close cooperation with the United States in security issue. "We buy weapons which we do not produce from the U.S."

"In 1982, the U.S. government gave Taiwan six assurances, among which the guarantee of no time limit for weapon sales to Taiwan and no need of discussions (on weapon sales) with the mainland."

Addressing German reporters's concerns over human rights situation on the mainland and Taiwan's stance, President Ma said, since mainland China "has become the second largest economy of the world, it has to fulfill its responsibility in the world. This also pertains to reforms in individual freedom, democracy, rule of law, and human rights."

The President said that he was one of the only nine heads of state worldwide who congratulated Liu Xiaobo when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and in the meantime, he also appealed to the government in Beijing to release Liu.

He said that through reforms and opening up to the world, mainland China has liberated itself from poverty and achieved enormous economic growth. And the emergence of internet and new technologies has made it possible for more and more people to express political opinions there.

"Sooner or later, (mainland) China will also move towards a more liberal and democratic society," said President Ma. (by Lillian Lin) Enditem/Bear

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President Ma urges Beijing to step up reforms Tuesday, 3 May 2011, 11:15 am Press Release: Taipei Economic and Cultural Office

President Ma urges Beijing to step up reforms

Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou called on mainland China to fulfill its obligations as the world’s second-largest economy by embracing democracy and promoting freedom, human rights and the rule of law.

“We expect Beijing to implement such reforms in the near future,” Ma said. “Taiwan can play an important part in this process through more frequent cross-strait exchanges.”

Ma made the remarks in an interview published by German-based weekly magazine Der Spiegel April 30.

The president also said that mainland Chinese students admitted to Taiwanese universities starting September will play an integral role in cross-strait exchanges after tasting the country’s freedom firsthand.

On the issue of Beijing’s aggressive military posture toward Taiwan, Ma said Taipei will not be drawn into a buildup of offensive weapons.

“In addition to upgrading the nation’s defense capabilities, we are conducting cross-strait trade and investment exchanges to help mainland China recognize the value of peaceful relations with Taiwan.”

But closer trade ties with Beijing do not mean Taipei is putting all its eggs in one basket, Ma said. “Taiwan continues to strengthen economic ties with countries and regions throughout the world,” he added.

Source: Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand

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