BEIJING (TVBS News) — Taiwan's former President Ma Ying-jeou met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday, marking their first reunion in nine years. The two leaders held a closed-door meeting at 4 p.m., drawing significant attention from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the international community.
Despite Ma stepping down nearly eight years ago, the second "Ma-Xi meeting" is seen as a significant diplomatic gesture. It comes on the eve of the inauguration of Taiwan's President-elect Lai Ching-te on May 20, viewed by experts as a friendly signal from Xi toward a non-independence route for Taiwan. This meeting suggests an alternative path that could bring peace to the island.
On April 1, Ma began an 11-day visit to Guangdong, Shaanxi, and Beijing. Arriving in Beijing on April 7, he visited Peking University and toured the Badaling Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Lugou Bridge, and the Museum of the War of Peoples Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The first meeting between Ma and Xi in Singapore on Nov. 7, 2015, was the first between leaders from both sides since 1949.
Chinese President Xi Jinping praised Ma for his nationalistic sentiments, adherence to the 1992 Consensus, opposition to Taiwan independence, promotion of peaceful cross-strait relations, youth exchanges, and dedication to revitalizing Chinese culture.
Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou highlighted the risks of conflict, stating, "If a war breaks out in the Taiwan Strait, it would be an unbearable burden for the Chinese people." He emphasized the wisdom on both sides of the strait to handle disputes peacefully and avoid conflict.
This dialogue underscores the ongoing efforts for a peaceful resolution to cross-strait relations, showing both leaders' commitment to harmony over discord.