TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), who led Taiwan from 2008 to 2016 and is known for his pro-engagement China policies, voiced disappointment over the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP, 民進黨) characterization of the Cross-Strait Forum (兩岸論壇) as a "united front" (統戰) operation in a Facebook post published Friday (July 4). The term "united front" carries negative connotations in Taiwan, typically referring to Beijing's political influence tactics. Ma highlighted what he described as constructive interactions during recent cross-strait exchanges and accused current President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) of deepening societal divisions within Taiwan.
Recounting his recent delegation to mainland China, the former president detailed how he guided a group of young Taiwanese participants from Xiamen on an extensive tour through Fujian and Gansu provinces. The itinerary included visits to significant technological and cultural landmarks, such as Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL 寧德時代), a global leader in electric vehicle batteries; the historic Fuzhou Sanfang Qixiang (福州三坊七巷), a well-preserved ancient district; and a traditional ceremony honoring Fuxi (伏羲), a mythological Chinese ancestor, in Tianshui (天水). Ma also highlighted their visits to China's satellite launch facility in Jiuquan (酒泉) and their participation in cultural exchanges in Dunhuang (敦煌), noting these experiences provided firsthand exposure to both China's technological advancement and cultural traditions.
The former president emphasized the common heritage and emotional bonds linking populations across the Taiwan Strait, asserting that traditional Chinese cultural elements remain fundamentally embedded in Taiwanese identity. Ma firmly rejected what he characterized as politically motivated campaigns to "de-Sinicize" (去中國化) or "de-Hanize" (去漢化) Taiwan, terms referring to efforts to diminish Chinese cultural influence on the island. Such cultural separation attempts, he maintained, would inevitably fail because of these deeply established historical and cultural connections. ◼