Introduction Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) departed on Wednesday for a diplomatic trip to China aimed at building a “bridge of peace” between Taiwan and China. This visit marks Ma’s second trip to China in 2024 and is accompanied by a group of Taiwanese students from the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation. The delegation will travel to Heilongjiang and Sichuan provinces, where they will engage in cultural and youth exchange activities.
Ma Ying-jeou’s Peace Mission
Ma emphasized that fostering mutual understanding through youth exchanges is crucial, especially in today’s global climate, where conflicts are prevalent, and tensions between Taiwan and China have grown since his presidency (2008-2016). He expressed his belief that through such exchanges, Taiwan and China could build a peaceful future despite the current strain in cross-strait relations.
At Taoyuan International Airport, Ma told reporters, “It is particularly important to promote youth exchanges across the strait, and I hope to build a bridge of peace between the two sides.”
Key Highlights of Ma’s Visit
| Date | Event | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 18-20 | Cross-Strait Youth Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival | Harbin, Heilongjiang | Cultural exchange |
| Dec 21-23 | Visit to the Giant Panda Museum | Chengdu, Sichuan | Environmental and cultural learning |
| Dec 24-26 | Meetings and interactions with local youth | Various locations | Promoting peace and understanding |
A Bridge Between Generations
Ma’s trip will include visits to several significant cultural and educational sites, such as the Cross-Strait Youth Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in Harbin and the Giant Panda Museum in Chengdu. These activities are designed to expose Taiwanese students to Chinese culture, while also fostering a spirit of mutual respect and peace.
Ma’s foundation aims to provide young Taiwanese students with the opportunity to engage in these cross-strait exchanges, highlighting his belief in the importance of youth as bridges to understanding and peace. This trip follows the visit of a Chinese student and teacher delegation to Taiwan earlier this month, also organized by the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation.
Political Context and Controversies
This trip comes at a time when cross-strait relations are increasingly scrutinized, with some political groups in Taiwan expressing concern over Ma’s efforts to engage with Chinese authorities. Taiwan Republic chairperson Chilly Chen (陳峻涵) led a protest at the airport, accusing Ma of potentially “becoming a traitor to Taiwan” due to the growing exchanges between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The protests reflected ongoing concerns about the alignment of Taiwan’s political factions with Beijing’s interests.
Meanwhile, Ma’s foundation has defended the initiative, emphasizing its focus on youth, education, and cultural exchange rather than political agendas.
Ma’s Third Trip to China Post-Presidency
This is Ma Ying-jeou’s third visit to China since stepping down as Taiwan’s president in 2016. His first two trips aimed at promoting peace and understanding were marked by efforts to transcend political hostility. In his statement, Ma reiterated that it was his responsibility to bridge divides and encourage dialogue between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Ma Ying-jeou visiting China again?
Ma’s visit is focused on promoting youth exchanges and building a “bridge of peace” between Taiwan and China. He is leading a group of Taiwanese students from his foundation to participate in cultural activities in China.
2. What are the key events planned during the trip?
The delegation will attend the Cross-Strait Youth Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in Harbin and visit the Giant Panda Museum in Chengdu, among other cultural and educational exchanges.
3. Why are some groups protesting Ma’s trip?
Some political groups in Taiwan, such as Taiwan Republic, have expressed concerns over the growing exchanges between the KMT and the CCP, arguing that these initiatives may align with Beijing’s political interests and complicate Taiwan’s sovereignty.
4. What is the significance of youth exchanges between Taiwan and China?
Youth exchanges are seen as an important means to foster mutual understanding and peace, especially in times of heightened political tensions. Ma believes these exchanges can build bridges for future cooperation and stability between the two sides.
5. How many trips has Ma Ying-jeou made to China since leaving office?
This is Ma Ying-jeou’s third trip to China since leaving office in 2016. His earlier visits also focused on promoting peace and cross-strait exchanges.
Conclusion
Former President Ma Ying-jeou’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, including his latest visit to China, represent his continued commitment to promoting peaceful relations between Taiwan and China. Despite political protests, Ma remains focused on fostering cultural and educational exchanges, believing that the younger generation plays a crucial role in bridging divides between the two sides.
