Taipei, December 12, 2024 – Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou is scheduled to visit China to strengthen cultural and social ties between Taiwan and the mainland. The visit comes amid heightened tensions between the two regions, as China maintains its stance on the reunification of Taiwan. Ma, a member of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), has consistently advocated for closer relations with China, a stance that contrasts with the current government’s pro-independence policies under President Tsai Ing-wen.
During his 12-day trip, Ma plans to meet with Chinese officials and lead a student delegation to foster educational exchanges. While there is speculation about a potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Ma has emphasized that the visit focuses on non-political matters such as cultural and social interaction. His itinerary has been carefully crafted to avoid political controversy while highlighting his commitment to improving Taiwan-China relations.
As Taiwan’s presidential election approaches, Ma’s visit comes at a sensitive time. The KMT faces the challenge of balancing its pro-China stance with growing skepticism about closer ties with China among Taiwanese voters. The timing and implications of Ma’s trip are likely to be a focal point in the election, influencing public perceptions of the KMT’s position on cross-strait relations.
