Ma Ying-jeou to Lead Taiwanese Students on a Peace-Building Mission to China
Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) is set to make his second visit to China this year. The nine-day trip, scheduled for December 18-26, will take him and a group of Taiwanese students to Heilongjiang and Sichuan provinces. This trip aims to promote youth exchanges and foster a deeper understanding between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Ma Ying-jeou’s Commitment to Strengthening Taiwan-China Relations
Ma Ying-jeou’s foundation, the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, confirmed the trip, with CEO Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑) sharing details in a recent press release. This visit follows an earlier trip in April 2023, marking Ma’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between Taiwan and China. The delegation will visit the cities of Harbin in Heilongjiang and Chengdu in Sichuan.
Ma’s mission, according to Hsiao, emphasizes the importance of strengthening cross-strait relationships through young people’s exchanges. “The more exchanges and deeper understanding there are among young people across the Taiwan Strait, the fewer conflicts there will be in the future,” Ma stated.
A Growing Tradition of Cross-Strait Engagement
This trip highlights the continued commitment of Ma Ying-jeou to youth diplomacy. His foundation has been active in facilitating such exchanges, with the most recent Chinese student delegation visiting Taiwan just a week earlier. The delegation, consisting of 40 students and faculty from seven Chinese universities, toured Taiwan and experienced its diverse culture and society.
Despite some controversy arising from a student’s comments about Taiwan’s national baseball team, Ma’s foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities for mutual understanding. The foundation remains firm in its belief that such visits are vital for long-term peace and cooperation.
Ma’s First Visit to China This Year
In his first visit to China in April 2023, Ma met with senior officials and engaged in discussions on furthering economic, educational, and cultural ties. These visits align with Ma’s long-standing vision of enhancing communication and mutual respect between Taiwan and China, particularly among the younger generation.
The Chinese government has welcomed Ma’s efforts, with Zhu Fenglian (朱鳳蓮), spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, expressing support for continued exchanges between the two sides.
Future of Cross-Strait Relations: Strengthening People-to-People Ties
Ma Ying-jeou’s repeated visits to China underscore the importance of people-to-people diplomacy in navigating the complex political landscape of the Taiwan Strait. His advocacy for increased youth interaction through educational trips and exchanges aims to reduce tensions and build long-term peace and understanding.
As the year comes to a close, Ma’s second trip to China serves as a reminder of the ongoing significance of cross-strait ties and the potential for diplomacy to foster harmony in the region.
FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When is Ma Ying-jeou’s second trip to China scheduled? | Ma Ying-jeou will visit China from December 18 to December 26, 2023. |
| What provinces will Ma visit in China? | Ma will travel to Heilongjiang and Sichuan provinces during this trip. |
| What is the purpose of Ma Ying-jeou’s trip? | The trip aims to strengthen Taiwan-China relations by promoting youth exchanges and fostering peace between the two sides. |
| Is this Ma’s first visit to China in 2023? | No, this is Ma’s second visit to China in 2023. His first visit was in April. |
| How does Ma Ying-jeou view the Taiwan-China relationship? | Ma emphasizes the importance of deeper mutual understanding and dialogue, especially among the younger generation, to prevent future conflicts. |
