Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou is currently visiting China to ease tensions across the Taiwan Strait. There is speculation that he may meet with Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping this week, although no official confirmation has been provided. Ma’s visit is part of efforts to promote peace and dialogue between Taiwan and China.
Ma, a member of the Kuomintang party, fled to Taiwan after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong’s communists in 1949. He ruled Taiwan as an authoritarian leader before being voted out in democratic elections in 2016.
Ma Ying-jeou (Credits: Time)
His visit to China has sparked controversy, with some in Taiwan criticizing him for reinforcing Beijing’s territorial claims by emphasizing a “Chinese” identity for Taiwan.
The timing of Ma’s potential meeting with Xi Jinping is important, coinciding with the anniversary of the signing of the Taiwan Relations Act, which Beijing opposed in 1979. This Act, passed by the U.S. Congress, aims to defend Taiwan against aggression and defines any threat to Taiwan as a threat to U.S. interests.
Xi Jinping (Credits: CNN)
Ma’s message during his visit, including calls for peace and recognition of common ancestry with people in China, has drawn criticism at home in Taiwan. Some view his stance as overly Sinocentric, especially at a time when global perceptions of the Chinese Communist Party are tense.
The situation reflects ongoing complications in cross-strait relations and differing perspectives within Taiwan regarding its identity and relationship with China.
