Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed to former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou on Wednesday that external interference could not impede the “family reunion” between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing that there are no issues that cannot be addressed through discussion.
Since the Republic of China government’s retreat to Taiwan in 1949 following its defeat in a civil war against Mao Zedong’s communists, no incumbent Taiwanese leader has visited China. Ma, who served as president from 2008 to 2016, made history last year as the first former Taiwanese leader to visit China. He is currently on his second trip to the country, amidst heightened military tensions across the strait.
Anticipation surrounded Ma’s expected meeting with Xi during his current visit, especially since their landmark summit in Singapore in late 2015, just before the current Taiwanese president, Tsai Ing-wen, assumed office.
During their meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Xi emphasized that people on both sides of the strait are Chinese, asserting, “External interference cannot halt the historical trend of national reunification and familial unity.” While Xi did not delve into specifics, the reference to external interference typically points to support Taipei receives from Western nations, particularly the United States, including arms sales, which irk Beijing.
Xi reiterated that there are no insurmountable grievances, no issues incapable of discussion, and no force capable of severing the bond between the Chinese people on both sides of the strait.
China has maintained its stance of not renouncing the use of force to bring Taiwan, a democratically governed territory, under its control. Beijing has escalated military and political pressure in asserting its sovereignty claims over Taiwan.
Ma expressed concerns to Xi about the tensions unsettling many Taiwanese. He emphasized that a conflict between the two sides would be intolerable for the Chinese people and called for a peaceful resolution to disputes, underscoring the wisdom of the Chinese people on both sides to avert conflict.
In response to the meeting, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council expressed deep regret that Ma did not publicly reaffirm Taiwan’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and democratic system. The council urged Beijing to cease its intimidation tactics and resolve differences through respectful and rational dialogue.
During the meeting, Xi addressed Ma as “Mr. Ma Ying-jeou,” as neither the Chinese nor Taiwanese governments formally recognize each other. Ma, in turn, addressed Xi by his title as head of the Communist Party – general secretary.
Taiwan’s incumbent government, led by President Tsai and her administration, rejects China’s territorial claims and asserts that only the island’s people can determine their future. China insists on dialogue with Taiwan only if Tsai acknowledges the “one China” principle, which she has refused to do.
Xi has rarely made public comments on Taiwan in recent months. In early April, he urged the United States to translate President Biden’s commitment against supporting “Taiwan independence” into concrete actions. Xi has refrained from commenting on Taiwan’s January presidential election, which saw Vice President Lai Ching-te emerge victorious and is regarded by Beijing as a separatist move.
Ma remains a prominent member of Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), which lost the presidential election in January for the third consecutive time. Although the KMT advocates close ties with China and dialogue, it vehemently denies being pro-Beijing.
