Wednesday’s talks come as Ma wraps up an 11-day “journey of peace” to the mainland, following a landmark visit just over a year ago. In opening remarks made in the presence of the press, both Xi and Ma sought to strike a conciliatory tone despite the prolonged cross-strait tensions. Referring to his guest as “Mister … Read more
On Thursday, Ma visited the northwestern province of Shaanxi to pay tribute to the Yellow Emperor, a legendary ruler from 5,000 years ago who is considered an ancestor of the Chinese people. Speaking after the ceremony – which took place on Ching Ming, a festival where people traditionally honour their ancestors – Ma said these … Read more
Before he left for Shenzhen on Monday, Ma told reporters at the airport that his trip would be “a journey of peace and a journey of friendship”. “In the face of the increasingly tense situation in the Taiwan Strait, I hope we can convey the sentiments of the Taiwanese people that they love peace, hope … Read more
Tsai, of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, has come under fire from opposition legislators for not taking the opportunity to uphold the island’s claim over Taiping. “We all know clearly that we have spent NT$1.7 billion (US$53 million) in [renovating] the pier at Taiping and an inauguration ceremony is held there today …. But President … Read more
Han Kuo-yu, Taiwan’s new legislative speaker from the mainland-friendly Kuomintang (KMT), is expected to take up the helm as chairman of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD), an entity sanctioned by Beijing. The non-profit, government-funded organisation plays a key role in Taiwan’s engagement with the world. Its stated goals are to build partnerships with civil … Read more
To retrieve the two surviving fishermen, a 10-member delegation arrived in Quemoy, led by Li Zhaohui, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office in Quanzhou, Fujian province. The group, which also included six bereaved family members, a lawyer and two local Red Cross officials, organised the passage of the two survivors back to Quanzhou on … Read more
“The DPP remains in power but it will not change the basic pattern and direction of cross-strait relations … and it cannot prevent the historical trend of the reunification of the two sides,” he said, according to a TAO statement. The DPP’s Tsai Ing-wen has refused to acknowledge the one-China principle since becoming president eight … Read more
“I was very, very disappointed. Because the DPP will be in charge, there is a greater chance that Taiwan will go to war,” Weng, 26, said, referring to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Despite the loss, he said he remained optimistic about the TPP’s future and Ko’s chances for another presidential run in 2028. After … Read more
That warning has been echoed by prominent political figures, including Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who in a speech in April described tensions over the Taiwan Strait as the “most dangerous flashpoint” for conflict. Taiwan election: Lai’s victory risks further tensions with Beijing Observers said Tsai’s handling of cross-strait relations was the primary source … Read more
Delivering his acceptance speech on Saturday, Taiwan’s president-elect William Lai Ching-te vowed to spare no efforts to further develop the island’s critical chip and semiconductor industry. “As president, I will continue to assist the development of the semiconductor industry, from materials, equipment, research and development, integrated circuit design, manufacturing to wafer fabrication and testing for … Read more
