Chen's Legacy and Ma Era

Chen’s Legacy and Ma Era

[Speeches and Documents] [Interviews] [Polls] [News] [Papers]

Speeches and Documents

Taiwan’s Renaissance: The Inauguration Speech of President Ma Ying-jeou

President Ma’s New Year’s Day Message
(Office of the President, Jan. 1, 2010) This government will not indulge in wishful thinking by having the development of cross-strait ties determine our external relations.

Ma Vows to Keep Boosting Cross-Strait Ties
(China Post, Oct. 11, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou vowed to pursue continued improvement of Taiwan's ties with mainland China to gradually build mutual trust. Growing Amid Challenges, Progressing Amid Reconstruction—President Ma’s National Day Address

The Taiwan Relations Act: Turning a New Chapter
President Ma’s speech in a video conference with the Center for Strategic and International Studies on April 22, 2009.

President Ma Ying-jeou's Address to the 'Double Tenth' Rally
(Office of the President, R.O.C., Oct. 10 2008) While differences still exist between Taiwan and mainland China over sovereignty issues, we hope that the two sides can apply wisdom to shelve disputes and chart courses to steadily extend the political reconciliation achieved in cross-strait relations to the international arena.

A SMART Strategy for National Security By Ma Ying-jeou
(February 26, 2008) to achieve our national security objectives, Taiwan needs to be SMART. The S in SMART stands for soft power. The M in SMART stands for Military Deterrence. The A in SMART stands for Assuring the Status Quo. The R in START stands for Restoring Mutual Trust. These four concept pillars hold up the final idea in SMART, the T that stands for Taiwan.

International Conference on “Confidence-Building Measures: Successful Cases and Implications for the Taiwan Strait” By Ma Ying-jeou (Jan. 16, 2008) Therefore, if elected, I will do at least two things to set the train of Taiwan’s regeneration going. Internally, I will uplift our democracy to make it work for the benefit of the people, not any particular party. Externally, I will anchor our policy on the so-called “three nos” in order to foster a peaceful environment. That is, no negotiations for unification during my presidential term; no pursuit of de jure independence; and no use of force by either side of the Taiwan Strait.

Ou: Taiwan’s Agenda—A Pragmatic Global Approach By Francisco H. L. Ou (Washington Times, Jul. 24, 2008) Inaugurated just two months ago, Mr. Ma has already broken through barriers and set a new course for Taiwan's relations with our neighbors and the international community, as well as our strategic partnership with the United States.

Taiwan Security: A KMT’s Perspective By SU Chi
(US-Taiwan Business Council, Denver, Colorado, USA, Sep. 11, 2006) The KMT wants to be a Positive “Responsible Stakeholder” in East Asia. We believe Taiwan can contribute to and benefit from a peaceful and prosperous region.

Interviews

ECFA ‘Just the Beginning’: Ma
(Taipei Times, Jan. 22, 2010) The president told the ‘Taipei Times’ that an ECFA with China would help reduce obstructions to Taiwan’s efforts to sign FTAs with ASEAN members. Interview: ECFA Will Help Taiwan Catch Up with Asia

Cross-Strait Peace Deal Is Not Possible at Present: Ma
(CNA, Jan. 1, 2010) President Ma Ying-jeou said in an interview with the German magazine “Internationale Politik” that he does not believe a cross-Taiwan Strait peace agreement is possible under the present situation.

Taiwan’s Détente Gamble By Leslie Hook
(Wall Street Journal, Dec. 15, 2009) Taiwan knows better than most countries what it's like to lie in the shadow of a rising China. The island is home to a vibrant democracy whose 23 million cast their ballots last March for a president promising détente with Beijing.

We’ve Left Taiwan Out in the Cold By Rowan Callick
(The Australian, Oct. 27, 2009) In his first interview with an Australian journalist since being elected 18 months ago, Ma asked: "If Beijing is willing to improve relations with us, why couldn't Australia?"

China Must Remove Missiles for Taiwan Thaw, Ma Says By Stuart Biggs and Dune Lawrence (Bloomberg, Jul. 31, 2009) Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said China must stop targeting the island with hundreds of missiles to extend the deepest thaw in relations in six decades.

Taiwan’s Ma Reflects on His First Year As President
(Time, May 14, 2009) On May 12, TIME's Jim Erickson, Michael Schuman and Natalie Tso sat down with Ma to talk with him about China, the economy, and Taiwan's future.

An Interview with Ma Ying-jeou
(New York Times, Feb. 22, 2009) Following is a transcript of an interview with President Ma Ying-jeou of Taiwan, on Feb. 12. Keith Bradsher, of The New York Times, and Jeanne Moore, of The International Herald Tribune, conducted the interview.

Exclusive Ma Ying-jeou Interview: Nothing to Fear from CECA with Beijing: Ma (Taipei Times, Feb. 20, 2009) The government’s cross-strait policies have prompted concerns over the potential impact on Taiwan’s sovereignty. In an interview, President Ma responded to his critics.

Taiwanese Leader Focuses on Economy By Maureen Fan
(Washington Post, Dec. 10, 2008) With GDP shrinking and unemployment spiking, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou said that his focus was squarely on the self-ruled democratic island's domestic economy. Transcript of Interview

USA TODAY Interviews Taiwanese President By Paul Wiseman
(USA Today, Nov. 11, 2008) USA Today's Paul Wiseman interviewed Ma in the presidential palace in Taipei. Below is a transcript of the interview, edited for length and clarity.

President Ma Ying-jeou of Taiwan Has Progress Making Ties with China By Jane Macartney (Times, Aug. 30, 2008) The new President is confident that the peace process he has initiated can outlast him. “The foundation of the policy to seek reconciliation is not based on an individual, it is based on the common needs of the two sides.” Ma Ying-jeou on the Wisdom of Improved Relations between China and Taiwan The transcripts of the interview.

Talking to Taiwan’s New President
(Time, Aug. 11, 2008) Ma spoke with TIME ahead of his first international diplomatic trip.

Interview with Taiwan’s Ma By Peter Stein and Ting-I Tsai
(Wall Street Journal, Aug. 8, 2008) Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou spoke with The Wall Street Journal's Peter Stein and Ting-I Tsai on Thursday. Here is a selective transcript.

Warming up to China
(CNN, Jul. 19, 2008) Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou talks to CNN's Anjali Rao about strengthening ties with China.

Interview: Ou Talks about Taiwan’s ‘Diplomatic Truce’
(Taipei Times, Aug. 10, 2008) Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco Ou sat down with ‘Taipei Times’ staff reporter and offered his views on Taiwan’s diplomacy and the strategy his ministry is using to help expand Taiwan’s international space.

Polls

Taiwan Public Mood Index and Approval Rating of President Ma Ying-jeou and Premier Wu Den-yih (GVSRC, Feb. 23, 2010) 24.7 percent of people are satisfied with President Ma’s performance while 41.3 percent are satisfied with Premier Wu’s.

Approval Ratings for President Ma Ying-jeou’s Performance
(TVBS, Feb. 3, 2010) 26% of respondents were satisfied with President Ma’s performance while 50% not.

Survey on Performance of President Ma Ying-jeou and His Administration (GVSRC, Jan. 23, 3010) 23.2 percent of the polled were satisfied with Ma’s performance while 66.3 percent not.

Polls on Chiang-Chen Meeting and the Approval Ratings of Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai Ing-wen (UDN, Dec. 25, 2009) 33% of respondents were satisfied with President Ma’s performance; 32% thought the three agreements signed at the Forth Chiang-Chen Meeting were beneficial to Taiwan.

Survey on Cross-strait ECFA and Exchanges, Taiwanese’s View on Ultimate Unification with China and Independence and President Ma Ying-jeou’s Approval Rating (GVSRC, Dec. 22, 2009) 54.4 percent said signing ECFA is very important to Taiwan’s economy; meanwhile, 23.5 percent were content with President Ma’s performance.

Survey on Taiwanese People’s Trust in the U.S. President, Cross-Strait Leaders and Major Political Parties and Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou’s Approval Rating (GVSRC, Nov. 23, 2009) 52.9 percent of Taiwanese say Obama is friendly toward Taiwan; meanwhile, President Ma’s approval rating this month is 28.3 percent.

Survey on President Ma Ying-jeou’s Performance after Assuming KMT Chairpersonship, Ma-Hu Meeting, and Taiwanese People’s Views on Unification with China and Independence (GVSRC, Oct. 22, 2009) President Ma’s approval rating is 29.5 percent; meanwhile, 43.9 percent said it was appropriate if President Ma and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao met as leaders of ruling parties across the Strait.

Survey: A Month After Wu Cabinet Took Office
(TVBS Public Opinion Poll Center, Oct. 9, 2009) 32% of the respondents were satisfied with President Ma’s performance while 48% were satisfied with Premier Wu’s.

Survey on New Cabinet, Verdict on Former President Chen Shui-bian’s Cases, and President Ma Ying-jeou’s Approval Rating (GVSRC, Sep. 23, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou’s approval rating is 28.3 percent and disapproval rating is 59.6 percent this month.

Public Opinions on President Ma Ying-jeou’s and His Cabinet’s Abilities to Deal with Disasters Following Typhoon Morakot’s Lash at Taiwan (GVSRC, Aug. 24, 2009) 78.2 percent of Taiwanese say the Ma administration has failed to handle the typhoon disaster well; meanwhile, President Ma Ying-jeou’s approval rating this month is 22.9 percent.

Survey on President Ma’s Approval Rating and Cross-Strait Relations After First Year of Direct Flights (GVSRC, Jul. 24, 2009) 35.5 percent of Taiwanese approve of President Ma’s governance; 44.2 percent of Taiwanese are satisfied with the benefits brought by direct cross-strait flights.

TVBS Pubic Opinion Poll
(TVBS Public Opinion Poll Center, Jul. 14, 2009) According to the survey, 41% of the respondents were satisfied with President Ma’s performance, while another 41% were unsatisfied.

Survey on President Ma’s Approval Rating
(GVSRC, Jun. 22, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou’s approval rating is 40.7 percent, and his disapproval rating is 46.1.

Survey on President Ma’s Approval Rating on First Anniversary of Inauguration and Cross-Strait Issues (GVSRC, May 25, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou’s approval rating on the first anniversary of his inauguration: his approval rating is 38.9 percent, and his disapproval rating is 48.6 percent.

Survey on Taiwan Relations Act, Arms Procurement, Participation in WHA, and President Ma’s Approval Rating (GVSRC, Apr. 24, 2009) 48.3% of Taiwanese say the government should procure more weapons to gain more ground with China; meanwhile, 32.8% of Taiwanese approve of President Ma’s performance.

Survey on Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Agreement and President Ma Ying-jeou’s Approval Rating (GVSRC, Mar. 23, 2009) 68.2% of Taiwanese say they are concerned with signing an economic cooperation agreement with China. Meanwhile, President Ma’s approval rating ten months after his inauguration is 28.6%.

TVBS Poll on President Ma’s Approval Rating
(TVBS Public Opinion Center, Mar. 23, 2009) 29% of respondents are satisfied with President Ma’s performance.

TVBS Public Opinion Poll
(TVBS Public Opinion Poll Center, Mar. 2, 2009) The survey was conducted on the satisfaction ratings of the Ma government and on issues associated with the possibility of signing of CECA with China.

The President, the Cabinet, and the Lawmakers’ Approval Ratings
(GVSRC, Feb. 23, 2009) 34.5% of Taiwanese people approve President Ma’s performance over the past nine months. The approval rate is 33% for Premier Liu.

President Ma Ying-jeou’s Approval Rating after Eight Months in Office (GVSRC, Jan. 17, 2009) 28.7% of Taiwanese people approve of President Ma Ying-jeou’s performance after his eight months in office, and 57.3% don’t.

Survey of Public Trust in Chen Shui-bian and Approval Rating for President Ma Ying-jeou (GVSRC, Dec. 22, 2008) 8.2% of Taiwanese people say they trust Chen, while 78.7% say they don’t. Meanwhile, President Ma’s approval rating after seven moths in office is 30.3%.

Survey on Taiwanese People’s Attitude toward the Detention of Former President Chen Shui-bian and Approval Ratings of the New Administration (GVSRC, Nov. 20, 2008) 64.4% of Taiwanese people say it would reflect progress in Taiwan’s democratic spirit and system if a former president is sentenced after he steps down for committing a crime. Meanwhile, 29.8% of Taiwanese people say they approve of President Ma’s performance, while 58.2% say they don’t.

Survey on Senior Chinese Envoy Chen Yunlin’s Upcoming Visit to Taiwan and Approval Ratings for the Ma Administration (Global Views, November, 2008) 50.3% of Taiwanese people support the government’s decision to invite Chen Yunlin. Meanwhile, 23.6% of Taiwanese are satisfied with President Ma’s performance.

GVSRC Survey: Approval Rating for the Ma Administration and Support for Its Foreign Policy (Global Views, October, 2008) The GVSRC survey shows that 24.9% of Taiwanese people are satisfied with President Ma Ying-jeou’s performance, while 64.5% dissatisfied.

GVSRC Survey: Survey on the First 100 Days of President Ma Ying-Jeou and the New Administration (Global Views, Aug. 29, 2008) The GVSRC survey shows that 36.1% of Taiwanese people are satisfied with President Ma Ying-jeou’s performance during his first 100 days in power, while 47.6% dissatisfied.

Ma’s Approval Rating Slides, Media Reports
(Taiwan News, Jul. 19, 2008) According to a recent poll conducted by the United Daily News, the number of respondents who were dissatisfied with President Ma Ying-jeou's performance exceeding those who are satisfied with it for the first time since Ma's inauguration on May 20.

GVSRC Survey: President Ma Ying-Jeou and the New Government
(Global Views, Jun, 2008) 58.3% of Taiwanese people approve of President Ma Ying-jeou’s performance during the two-month period from his election to his inauguration, and 64.2% say they are confident in Ma’s leadership.

President Gets 48.2% Approval Rating: Government Poll
(CNA, Jun. 27, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou received an approval rating of 48.2 percent for his performance one month after he assumed office May 20, according to the results of a government poll released Thursday.

Ma Urges ‘Maximum Tolerance’ in China
(China Post, Dec. 27, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou yesterday urged Beijing to show “maximum tolerance” to different opinions, in response to China's sentencing leading dissident Liu Xiaobo to 11 years in prison.

Ma’s ‘Decade’ Misquote Creating Controversy
(China Post, Dec. 16, 2009) The word “decade” in a full-page Wall Street Journal interview with President Ma Ying-jeou became the lightning rod for both pro-independence outrage and pro-China speculation.

Ma Absence from KMT Ads Raises Speculation
(China Post, Nov. 21, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou has not been featured in the ruling Kuomintang's latest TV advertisement, sparking speculation that the party no longer sees the leader as an asset for election campaigns because of his declining popularity.

ECFA Will Reduce Chance of War: Ma
(Taipei Times, Nov. 20, 2009) The president said that his administration was not especially friendly with China, but ‘we still need to do business with them.’

Japanese Have Better Image of Pres. Ma: JCCI Head Ogura
(CNA, Nov. 7, 2009) Businesspeople in Japan no longer cling to President Ma’s past reputation as an anti-Japanese Tioyutai warrior but instead are convinced that Taiwan is their best partner for developing the huge potential market in China.

Taiwan President Vows to Seek Eternal Peace with China
(VOA, Oct. 26, 2009) Taiwan's president has marked the 60th anniversary of a key battle against Chinese Communist forces by vowing to seek eternal peace across the Taiwan Strait.

Ma Urges Beijing to Remove Missiles
(Reuters, Oct. 20, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou urged China to scrap the growing number of missiles aimed at the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own, adding he would not exclude the possibility of meeting Chinese leaders one day.

KMT Will Back Expanded Cross-Strait Relations: Ma
(Taipei Times, Oct. 19, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou said that the KMT will support the continuing development of cross-strait ties.

President Takes Over as KMT Chair, Says will Punish Mavericks
(China Post, Oct. 18, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou, who took the helm of the ruling Kuomintang, promised to settle disputes over the party's huge assets and to come down hard on mavericks undermining its year-end election campaign.

Ma Pledges to Push ‘Soft Power Diplomacy’
(CNA, Oct. 9, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou said that his administration is planning to send 10,000 Taiwanese students abroad for study or goodwill visits every year as part of the government's “soft power diplomacy.”

Ma Says Allies May Pursue Economic Ties with China
(Taipei Times, Sep. 10, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou said his administration was not opposed to the country’s diplomatic allies developing economic relations with China and that both sides of the Taiwan Strait had a “tacit agreement” not to steal each other’s diplomatic allies.

Ma Praises Cross-Strait Strategy
(Taipei Times, Aug. 6, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou lauded his cross-strait policy, saying cross-strait rapprochement had not only brought a glimmer of hope in the Taiwan Strait, but also simplified security relations between Taipei and Washington.

Taiwan Leader Calls for China Trade Pact But No Rush to Meet Hu
(AFP, Jul. 29, 2009) Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou called for a trade pact with China but said he was not likely to meet his Chinese counterpart soon despite warming ties between the former bitter rivals.

China’s President Congratulates Taiwan Leader on Election as Chairman of Party (New York Times, Jul. 28, 2009) President Hu Jintao of China congratulated the Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou, after his election this weekend as chief of Taiwan’s governing party, a victory that analysts said could bolster Mr. Ma’s efforts to pursue engagement and economic ties with China.

President Ma Elected KMT Chairman
(China Post, Jul. 27, 2009) Only a little more than half of all card-carrying members of the Kuomintang went to the polls to vote in President Ma Ying-jeou as their chairman for the next four years.

Taiwan’s Interests Upheld in World Games: President
(CNA, Jul. 19, 2009) According to Ma, the fact that he presided over the opening ceremony of the international sports event in his capacity as president of the Republic of China is “something Taiwan could not have achieved in the past.”

Taiwan Will Not Open Median Line: Ma
(Taipei Times, Jul. 4, 2009) Taiwan will not open the median line of the Taiwan Strait to air traffic because the area is used for training by the country’s air force, President Ma Ying-jeou said.

Pres. Ma Pledges to Push for Rapprochement with China
(China Post, May 20, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou denied Taiwan's sovereignty has ever been denigrated in the past year, as he again pledged his all-out effort to push for rapprochement with China.

No Referendum Is Needed on ECFA Proposal: Ma
(Taipei Times, May 20, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou said the economic pact his administration plans to sign with Beijing does not require a referendum because it steers clear of politics and concerns only economic issues.

Taiwan Protest Targets Leader’s Pro-China Policies
(AP, May 17, 2009) Tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators marched through downtown Taipei on Sunday to protest against President Ma Ying-jeou's policy of greater engagement with rival China.

Ma Would Consider Peace Talks in 2012
(Taipei Times, May 12, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou said he would not negotiate unification with China during his presidency, but would consider launching talks on a peace agreement if re-elected in 2012.

No Strong Reaction to Ma’s ‘Political Dialogue’ with Beijing
(China Post, May 11, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou's surprise initiative to start political dialogue with Beijing in 2012 provoked no strong reaction from pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party leaders.

Ma Speaks in Washington Via Teleconference on TRA
(Taipei Times, Apr. 23, 2009) Taiwan will not count on a free ride from Washington for its security, President Ma Ying-jeou told China experts in Washington during a video conference.

Anti-secession Law ‘Unnecessary’: Ma
(China Post, Mar. 15, 2009) The Taiwan government yesterday urged China to remove its anti-secession law and missiles that are meant to intimidate the island into staying away from the road to independence.

President Ma Defines ‘Flexible Diplomacy’
(China Post, Nov. 11, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou defined his “flexible diplomacy”, broaching his conciliatory plan to reach agreement with China to keep Taiwan’s official ties with other countries of the world.

Ma Hopes for Peace Deal While He’s in Office
(Taipei Times, Oct. 19, 2008) In an interview published in the Indian quarterly India and Global Affairs yesterday, President Ma Ying-jeou said he hoped that a cross-strait peace accord could be reached during his term in office.

Forum Says Ma Strategy toward China Effective
(Taipei Times, Oct. 13, 2008) The “diplomatic truce” strategy proposed by President Ma Ying-jeou is “constructive” and long overdue but Beijing must reciprocate fast before the small window of opportunity closes on improved cross-strait relations, a panel of academics said.

Ma Refers to China as ROC Territory in Magazine Interview
(Taipei Times, Oct. 8, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou has said mainland China is the territory of the Republic of China (ROC) in an interview with a Japanese magazine.

US Expert Praises Ma’s ‘Pragmatic’ PRC Policy
(Taipei Times, Sep. 6, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou’s definition of cross-strait ties as “special” reflects his long-standing pragmatic approach toward China that aims to avoid confrontation with Beijing on the sovereignty issue, a US expert in cross-strait affairs said on Thursday.

Taiwan Pursues ‘Mutual Non-denial’ with China
(CNA, Sep. 5, 2008) Pursuing "mutual non-denial" between Taiwan and China remains a goal of President Ma Ying jeou's administration, given that "mutual recognition" is unattainable, Presidential Office spokesman said.

‘State to State’ Theory is Dead, Ma Says
(Taipei Times, Sep. 4, 2008) The relationship between Taiwan and China is not one between two countries, but a type of special relationship across the Taiwan Strait, President Ma Ying-jeou has told a Mexican newspaper, in a marked departure from former president Lee Teng-hui’s special state-to-state model of relations.

‘Turce’ Paying off: Presidential Office By Ko Shu-ling and Jenny W. Hsu (Taipei Times, Sep. 3, 2008) The fact that Paraguay has not switched ties to Beijing, despite its president’s remarks, was proof that Ma’s proposal was effective, an official said.

PRC must Accept Taiwan’s Peace Offer, or Else: Ma
(Taipei Times, Aug. 27, 2008) In an interview with the ‘Global Views’ magazine, President Ma Ying-jeou said that Taipei would immediately engage in a “diplomatic war” with Beijing if his proposed “diplomatic truce” with China did not receive a positive response

Ma Says Cross-Strait Ties Key to Better US Relations
(Taipei Times, Aug. 23, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou expressed confidence yesterday that the lack of mutual trust between the US and Taiwan could be repaired in the near future thanks to the government’s effort to improve cross-strait relations.

Ma’s Approval Rating at 47%, Says Poll
(CNA, Aug. 21, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou received an approval rating of 47 percent for his performance over the past three months, according to the results of a government poll released Tuesday.

Taiwan Helps Poorer Nations via ‘Aid for Trade’, Says FM Ou
(China Post, Aug. 21, 2008) Taiwan will continue to help developing nations boost their trade environment via the so-called "aid for trade" programs, said Foreign Minister Francisco Ou.

Diplomatic Truce not Dual Recognition: Ma
(CNA, Aug. 18, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou said Saturday in the Dominican Republic that his proposal of a "diplomatic truce" with China does not mean that the government is trying to work on a "dual recognition" system.

Ma Touts ‘Diplomatic Truce’ Strategy
(Taipei Times, Aug. 16, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou said that he was still negotiating with China about a plan to stop Taiwan and China from wooing each other’s diplomatic allies — what he calls his “diplomatic truce” strategy, but critics have dubbed it a “one-sided declaration.”

Taiwan’s Ma in Damage Control over Japan Ties
(Kyodo, Aug. 11, 2008) Japan’s increasing worries over Ma's attitude toward Tokyo and his handling of ties with rival China have prompted Ma to scramble, albeit quietly, for damage control before Taipei-Tokyo ties deteriorate beyond repair.

Ma Claims ‘Viable Diplomacy’ Based on Realism, Mutual Trust
(Taiwan News, Aug. 5, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou said yesterday that his proposals for "viable diplomacy" and for a diplomatic truce were based on growing mutual trust between Taiwan and China, and would allow all sides in the region to breathe a sigh of relief.

Taipei-Tokyo Ties not Affected by Cross-Strait Détente: President
(CNA, Aug. 5, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou said yesterday that cross-Taiwan Strait detente will not affect Taipei-Tokyo ties, as the situation will benefit the entire region, including Japan.

Ma Touts Foreign Policy before Trip
(China Post, Aug. 4, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou underscored his concept of "vital and viable diplomacy" to achieve the multiple goals of safeguarding the nation's interests, improving ties with Beijing, and at the same time enhancing international ties.

Taiwan to Further Ties with Non-Allies: President
(CNA, Aug. 1, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou pledged yesterday that his administration will seek to further relations with countries that have no diplomatic links with Taiwan, following the improvement of ties with China.

Taiwan Public Mood Index Survey July 2008
(Global Views Survey Research Center, Jul. 28) The TPMI survey this month was conducted two months after President Ma Ying-jeou was inaugurated. TIMPI falls 4.5 points, falling into the “losing some public approval” range.

Ma Aims to Dispel Image of ‘Extravagance’
(Taiwan News, Jul. 24, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou's decision to use a combination of scheduled commercial passenger flights and chartered aircraft on his first overseas visits to Paraguay and the Dominican Republic aims to correct Taiwan's image as a "promoter of money diplomacy."

Taiwan’s China Thaw Good for Japan, Ma Says
(Kyodo, Jul. 22, 2008) A recent warming in relations between bitter rivals China and Taiwan "is significant for Japan," Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou said Monday while meeting with a delegation of Japanese lawmakers, officials and academics.

Time Not Ripe for Meeting with Hu Jintao, Ma Says
(Taipei Times, Jul. 20, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou said he had no immediate plans to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao despite his intention to improve cross-strait relations, and repeated his call on China to remove the missiles it targets at Taiwan.

Japan Ties Could Cool, Says Former Rep
(CNA, Jul. 19, 2008) Taiwan-Japan relations could suffer as Taiwan's new government eagerly improves ties with China, Japan's former top representative to Taiwan said in an interview published yesterday.

Taiwan Expects U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan to Proceed as Planned
(CNA, Jul. 18, 2008) Presidential Office spokesman Wang Yu-chi said Taiwan is hopeful that the U.S. weapons procurement plans will proceed based on arms procurement budgets approved by the Legislative Yuan last year.

President Promotes New Strategy to Facilitate FTA Talks
(CNA, Jul. 17, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou said Wednesday that using the name under which Taiwan applied to join the World Trade Organization will meet less opposition when negotiating free trade agreements with other countries.

Presidential Office Reiterates ‘Three Noes’ Promise
(CNA, Jul. 15, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou remains resolute in pursuing a policy of "no unification, no independence and no use of force" to handle cross-Taiwan Strait ties over the next four years, Presidential Office spokesman Wang Yu-chi said Monday.

Diplomatic Ties with Paraguay in Question
(CNA, Jul. 15, 2008) Foreign Minister Francisco H. L. Ou said yesterday that the status of diplomatic relations with Paraguay can serve as an indicator of whether China is willing to reach a diplomatic truce with Taiwan.

Taiwan Needs Weapons from U.S.: President
(AP, Jul. 13, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou said Saturday that the island needs to secure defensive weapons from the United States, despite warming relations with rival China.

Taiwan’s Change in China Policy Could Make World Reconsider Its Role (CNA, Jul. 13, 2008) The China policies of President Ma Ying-jeou and his administration could create a new image for the country and make the world reconsider Taiwan's role, France's top official here said earlier this week.

Ma Dismisses Calls Over Revamping Cabinet
(China Post, Jul. 13, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou brushed aside yesterday the proposal of reshuffling the 53-day-old Cabinet while stressing the outstanding and tangible achievements of the Cabinet officials in such a short period of time.

Taiwan’s Ma Says Chip Makers Should Be Allowed More China Access (Reuters, Jul. 11, 2008) Taiwan should let its chip makers build state-of-the-art, 12-inch wafer plants in China, President Ma Ying-jeou said, reiterating an earlier pledge to loosen restrictions on cross-strait investment.

President Calls on China to Stop Taiwan’s International Isolation
(CNA, Jul. 4, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou called on China yesterday to end its isolation of Taiwan in the international community, saying such a move is essential to improving relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Ma Says Taiwan Will Not Shrink from Beijing Threat
(AFP, Jul. 3, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou on Wednesday said Taiwan would not shrink from a military showdown as China reportedly deployed new ballistic missiles targeting the island despite improving ties.

Ma Suggests Maxi-Mini Approach to China
(Taiwan News, Jul. 1, 2008) China is both a threat and an opportunity to Taiwan, and the person who holds the reins of the government should be smart enough to minimize the threat of China while maximizing the opportunity it provides for Taiwan, said President Ma Ying-jeou.

Taiwan Public Mood Index Survey June 2008
(Global Views Survey Research Center, Jun. 30, 2008) The TPMI survey this month was conducted one month after the inauguration of President Ma Ying-jeou. TMPI this month is at 42.9, rising 2.0 points.

Presidential Office Issues Four-point Statement on “Lianhe” Incident
(The Presidential Office, R.O.C., Jun. 12, 2008) The Presidential Office on the afternoon of June 12 issued a four-point statement regarding the incident of the Taiwan sports fishing boat "Lianhe" that was bumped by a Japanese coast guard vessel and then sank near the Diaoyutai islands.

Ma: Missile Withdrawal Precondition for China Talks
(Yomiuri Shimbun, Jun. 6, 2008) Taiwan will demand China withdraw ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan as a precondition for future peace talks with China, Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said in an exclusive interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun.

Taiwan’s Ma Lauds Rival China’s Openness on Tiananmen Anniversary (AP, Jun. 4, 2008) Taiwan's new leader used the 19th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown to praise rival China on Wednesday, breaking with his previous policy of marking the date with condemnations of Beijing's human rights record.

Ma Welcomes Beijing’s Reaction
(Taipei Times, May 23, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou yesterday welcomed Beijing’s response to his inaugural address and urged both sides to establish mutual trust and resume bilateral communications.

Peaceful Development of Cross-Strait Ties Reaffirmed
(China Daily, May 22, 2008) A senior Chinese mainland official said Thursday the mainland will strengthen the exchange with various parties, groups and personages in Taiwan to jointly promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Taiwan Leader: Democracy Key to Relations with China
(AP, May 21, 2008)Taiwan's new president on Tuesday tied improved political relations with rival China to Beijing's progress toward democracy — a condition the communist superpower may have trouble meeting.

U.S. Hopes New Taiwan President will Reduce Tensions with China
(AFP, May 21, 2008) The United States said Tuesday it looked forward to working with Taiwan's new president Ma Ying-jeou and hoped he would launch initiatives to reduce tension with China.

Ma’s Speech Well Received by Dignitaries
(CNA, May 21, 2008) Foreign diplomats and dignitaries warmly welcomed President Ma Ying-jeou's inaugural speech yesterday and commented positively on the prospects of cross-strait relations under the leadership of Ma and his administration.

Taiwan New Leader Takes Office on China Pledges
(Reuters, May 20, 2008) Taiwan’s new president took office on Tuesday with pledges to forge historic trade and transit ties with China, which claims the self-ruled island as its territory.

Taiwan Expects an Era of Detente with Rival China as It Inaugurates a New President (AP, May 19, 2008) The eight-year presidency of feisty Taiwanese leader Chen Shui-bian drew toward a close Monday, with his mild-mannered successor promising to seek greater economic cooperation with rival China and end nearly six decades of tensions.

Unification with China Unlikely 'in Our Lifetimes': President-Elect
(AP, May 16, 2008) Taiwan's new leader Ma Ying-jeou said that unification with longtime rival China is unlikely "in our lifetimes" because Taiwanese oppose the mainland's authoritarian rule. Ma's comments came just five days before his inauguration.

President-Elect Ma Calls for 'Diplomatic Truce' with China
(China Post, May 11, 2008) President-elect Ma Ying-jeou called for a "diplomatic truce" with China to create a win-win situation, signaling a more pragmatic and reconciliatory approach in his diplomatic and mainland China policies.

Taiwan's Incoming President Pledges to Halt Dollar Diplomacy
(DPA, May 10, 2008) Taiwan's incoming President Ma Ying-jeou said Saturday that Taipei will stop using dollar diplomacy to win recognition from foreign countries as the practice has tarnished Taiwan's image.

President-Elect Confident of July Opening of Weekend Charter Flights
(CNA, May 2, 2008) President-elect Ma Ying-jeou of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) said Thursday he is confident that weekend charter flights across the Taiwan Strait will take off in July as expected.

Ma: Taiwan to Join International Organizations under 'Chinese Taipei'
(CNA, Apr. 4, 2008) Taiwan's President-elect Ma Ying-jeou signaled his intention Friday to employ pragmatism and flexibility in his foreign policy, stating that "Chinese Taipei" is an acceptable name for Taiwan to use in international organizations, a suggestion that represented a significant departure from the position of the current administration.

Ma Stresses Interpretation of 'One-China' Key to Talks
(Taiwan News, Apr. 2, 2008) "If China were to say that there is only 'one China', but no room for separate interpretations of both sides, then I am sorry to say that there is nothing to talk about," said President-elect Ma Ying-jeou.

Chen, Ma Debate 1992 Consensus
(Taiwan News, Apr. 1, 2008) President Chen Shui-bian and his incoming successor Ma Ying-jeou had an open meeting where the two debated the existence and wisdom of the 1992 consensus under which Ma proposes to revive dialogue with China. "I love Taiwan no less than you,” Ma told Chen. “Please feel assured I will protect the country's sovereignty when you pass the responsibility to me.”

Ma Sees Role for KMT-CCP in Cross-Strait Talks
(Taipei Times, Apr. 1, 2008) President-elect Ma Ying-jeou said that the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) would take charge of future cross-strait negotiations, but the party-to-party communication platform between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) may still remain.

Ma Says He Will Focus on Economic Ties
(Taipei Times, Mar. 24, 2008) President-elect Ma Ying-jeou pledged to seek closer economic ties with China and resuscitate the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) as a communication channel on cross-strait issues.

Ma Repeats 'Mutual Non-Denial' Policy
(China Post, Mar. 14, 2008) President-elect Ma Ying-jeou said yesterday his future government would focus on improving strained cross-strait relations under the principle of "mutual non-denial."

Ma Says That If Elected, He Will Invest 3% of GDP in National Defense (Taiwan News, Mar. 5, 2008) The opposition Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou said that if he is elected president he will see that his administration invests no less than 3 percent of the country's GDP in national defense, in order to ensure Taiwan's national security.

Ma Sets Timetable for Cross-Strait Air Travel
(China Post, Mar. 1, 2008) Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou set a timetable for regular cross-strait flights that he would implement if elected. Ma said weekend charter flights would be introduced by July 1, with daily charter flights between China and Taiwan to be available by the end of this year.

Ma’s Puzzling Midterm Malaise By Shelley Rigger
(Brookings Northeast Asia Commentary #37, Mar. 12, 2010) If the process of cross-Strait engagement slows too much, PRC leaders may determine that no Taiwan leader, including Ma, is capable of delivering any of what Beijing is seeking and so lose patience. That would mean game over for the Ma Ying-jeou approach to cross-Strait rapprochement.

Ma Sacrifices Taiwan Premier to Limit Typhoon Fallout By Tim Culpan and Janet Ong (Bloomberg, Sep. 8, 2009) Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou sacrificed his premier in a surprise ouster designed to contain anger at the government’s mishandling of a deadly typhoon.

Taiwan’s Leader Faces Anger Over Storm Response By Andrew Jacobs (New York Times, Aug. 24, 2009) Anger, not sadness, remains the prevailing sentiment across Taiwan as President Ma Ying-jeou grapples with his worst political crisis since taking office last year.

Ma Calls TRA a Positive Force in U.S.-Taiwan-China Ties
(China Post, Apr. 13, 2009) The Taiwan Relations Act has not only symbolized the strong friendship and trust over the past three decades, but will continue to serve as a firm foundation for stabilizing the ties among the U.S., Taiwan and China in the future, President Ma Ying-jeou said.

New Directions and New Concepts: President Ma and Taiwan’s Chief Challenges By Dennis V. Hickey (Paper prepared for the 21st Annual International Meeting of the Association of Chinese Political Studies, Oct. 11, 2008) While the major challenges that President Ma confronts in his first term of office are certainly formidable, they should not be exaggerated.

Stormy Weather for Taiwan’s Ma By Cindy Sui
(Asia Times, Oct. 4, 2008) Four months after being sworn in as Taiwan's president, Ma Ying-jeou faces uphill battles, the biggest of which is how to win over public confidence. However, many analysts say the setbacks are not expected to affect Ma's continued push for better relations with China.

Taking a Lesson from Clausewitz By James Holmes
(Taipei Times, Sep. 8, 2008) With US military supremacy on the wane in Asia, moreover, the probable magnitude and duration of a conflict in China’s backyard will rise. Clausewitzian logic suggests Washington may hesitate in a time of crisis.

Taiwan’s Ma Faces Big Challenges on China Ties By Peter Enav
(AP, Aug. 30, 2008) Beyond the immediate challenge of conducting complex commercial and political negotiations, the two sides disagree profoundly on Taiwan's future status.

Analysis: Official Shares Insight on ‘Diplomatic Truce’ Strategy By Shih Hsiu-Chuan (Taipei Times, Aug. 25, 2008) Taiwan is forgoing its quest to become a UN member this year in a goodwill gesture that is expected to see the country accepted next year as an observer in the World Health Assembly (WHA), a high-ranking official said.

Taiwan’s Leader Keeps Low Profile Abroad By Peter Ritter
(Time, Aug. 11, 2008) Trips abroad by Taiwanese leaders are always diplomatically touchy since China does not recognize the island as an independent nation. But Ma is determined to keep his campaign promise of charting a smoother course with the mainland. Talking to Taiwan’s New President Ma spoke with TIME ahead of his first international diplomatic trip.

Taiwan’s Ma Set for First Overseas Visit as President
(AFP, Aug. 11, 2008) Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou will shore up the island's diplomatic ties with Latin America on his first overseas trip as leader, but he is also anxious not to irk Washington and Beijing, analysts say.

Military Challenges for the Kuomintang By Andrei Chang
(UPI, Jul. 23, 2008) In terms of Taiwan’s general strategic posture, the military machinery that the Kuomintang has inherited after winning the general election recently is in fact in a state of crisis. Taiwan’s military build-up has been neglected for eight years.

Taiwan’s President Moves toward Looser Japan, U.S. Ties By Jonathan Manthorpe (Vancouver Sun, Jul. 21, 2008) An unforeseen effect of the coming to power in Taiwan in May of president Ma Ying-jeou and the Kuomintang party is an apparent loosening of relations with Japan and the United States, traditionally the two guarantors of the island's independence.

The New Rules of Cross-Strait Economic Engagement By Terry Cooke (China Brief, Jamestown Foundation, Jul. 17, 2008) Fundamental restructuring of the cross-Strait economic relationship will require sustained alignment of strategic goals and political will in Beijing and Taipei as well as steady support in Washington DC.

What Happens after Economics? By Chao Chien-min
(Taipei Times, Jul. 16, 2008) Given the constraints of cross-strait historical and structural factors, relations cannot easily advance for now. How long will the temporary cross-strait consensus on Taiwan’s sovereignty actually last and what challenges may ensue?

Ma Facing Difficult Legislative Balancing Act By Wang Yeh-lih
(Taipei Times, Jul. 14, 2008) Ma has said he wants to respect and safeguard the Constitution, but even in the legislature, where his party holds a majority, he faces a dilemma and will be stuck trying to balance what he should do and what he is allowed to do.

Taiwan Urged to Capitalize on China
(CNA, Jul. 8, 2008) Kao Chang, deputy secretary general of the National Security Council, said it is hard for Taiwan to disconnect itself economically from China, with an island-based economy and limited natural resources.

Timeline: Business, Pleasure, Benefit in China-Taiwan Thaw By Gillian Murdoch (Reuters, Jul. 4, 2008) A timeline that illustrates some examples of how relations between the two have developed from the time Ma was elected.

Taiwan’s Way with Dignity By Hisahiko Okazaki
(Japan Times, Jun. 30, 2008) If the one-China policy is defined as loosely as the Commonwealth of Nations, any interpretation is possible. Thus the establishment of the Ma administration may provide a chance to break the diplomatic gridlock in East Asia.

Diplomatic Ceasefire Must Show Progress By Lin Cheng-yi
(Taipei Times, Jun. 30, 2008) President Ma Ying-jeou mentioned cross-strait “reconciliation and ceasefire” in his inaugural address. However, Ma’s definition of a “diplomatic ceasefire” — its content, scope, implementation, pros and cons — all await clarification.

Taiwan Leader Outlines His Policy Toward China By Keith Bradsher and Edward Wong (NYT, Jun. 19, 2008) Ma said two other broad sets of issues would have to wait until after his economic agenda had been resolved. These are Taiwan's limited "international space" and security issues across the Taiwan Strait.

New Taiwan Leader Reportedly Cautious with China By Debby Wu
(AP, May 28, 2008) Taiwan's ex-president said Wednesday that the island's new leader will tread cautiously in dealing with rival China, despite pressure from some in his party to engage Beijing without delay.

Ma’s Peace Talk Just the Beginning By Edward Chen
(Taipei Times, May 28, 2008) In his inaugural address last Tuesday, President Ma Ying-jeou sought to sweep away eight years of gloom and to set a cautious, yet optimistic, foundation for three-way relations between Taiwan, China and the US. But while Ma has bid farewell to the past, new and difficult problems have emerged.

Government Warned against Tilting toward Mainland China
(CNA, May 26, 2008) Despite the prospects of more peaceful relations with China, the newly-led Kuomintang (KMT) government must be careful not to lose the support of the world's strongest nations, especially the U.S. and Japan, Lin Cheng-yi, a research fellow of Academic Sinica, warned Sunday.

Taiwan’s Inaugural By Richard Halloran
(Washington Times, May 25, 2008) In tone, the inaugural address of Taiwan's new president, Ma Ying-jeou, differed distinctly from that of his predecessor, Chen Shui-bian, eight years ago. In substance, they were remarkably alike, particularly in setting Taiwan's stance toward mainland China.

Taiwan’s New President--Strait Is the Gate
(The Economist, May 22, 2008) When Taiwan's new president, Ma Ying-jeou, made his inaugural speech on May 20th, he was listened to closely not just by the voters who elected him in March but by the Chinese government.

Time to Seize the Cross-Strait Opportunity By Ralph A. Cossa
(PacNet #30, Pacific Forum, CSIS, May 2008) Ma Ying-jeou took a big political risk in reaching out so dramatically to Beijing in his inaugural address. Beijing needs to respond. Washington also needs to respond positively to Ma’s gestures, while strongly encouraging Beijing to make significant positive gestures sooner, rather than later.

Taiwan’s President Ma Faces High Expectation at Home and in China By Jonathan Adams (Christian Science Monitor, May 21, 2008) Most analysts agree that Ma should be able to expand cross-strait economic links. But some say he may have raised expectations on political progress too high.

[The Chen Years: 2000~2008] Analysis: Chen Leaves Mixed Legacy
(Taipei Times, May 19, 2008) Some analysts said his cross-strait policy made the international community clear on where Taiwan stands, but others said that it hurt economically. [The Chen Years: 2000~2008] The Chen Years A timeline of important events during the Chen years, composed by Taipei Times.

Taiwan Local Identity, China Line Expected to Last
(Reuters, May 18, 2008) Chen's local identity push and his pressure on China, which claims Taiwan as its own, are likely to endure, forcing incoming President Ma Ying-jeou to co-opt some of those issues.

Su Chi Will ‘Just Provide Advice’
(Taipei Times, May 13, 2008) Su Chi, the newly designated secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC)’ promised to serve only as an adviser to the president and not to go beyond the scope of his authority. “[We will] manage [the council] decently and professionally. This is our expectation,” Su said when asked for comment.

China Sees Change In Taiwan Leadership Bringing Closer Ties By Edward Cody (Washington Post, Apr. 16, 2008) China expressed confidence Wednesday that an imminent change of leadership in Taiwan will swiftly lead to direct airline connections, increased tourism and more cross-strait investment.

Taiwan-China Meet Begins to 'Thaw the Ice': President-Elect
(AFP, Apr. 15, 2008) Weekend talks between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Taiwan's vice president-elect have started to "thaw the ice" in ties between the rivals, the island's incoming president Ma Ying-jeou said.

Meet Taiwan’s Conciliator-Elect
(Newsweek, Apr. 7, 2008) You now have a strong mandate. What do you think the Taiwanese people want? They want a vibrant economy, a clean government, a society with equitable distribution of wealth and a peaceful Taiwan Strait.

Nation's Democratic Influence on PRC Inevitable: Ma
(Taipei Times, Apr. 7, 2008) President-elect Ma Ying-jeou said in an interview that he does not advocate “directly exporting democracy” to China, adding that by increasing cross-strait interaction, the merits of democracy would “naturally” lead to positive changes in China.

Taiwan's Fresh Start By Donald H. Straszheim
(Forbes, Apr. 7, 2008) The dust has settled following the March 22 victory here by Kuomintang (KMT) leader Ma Ying-jeou. Ma's focus will be on the economy, in sharp contrast with current President Chen Shui-bian's focus on politics. I like the turnaround prospects for Taiwan's long-stagnant equity markets and her stuck-in-the-mud economy.

Change is Hard in Taiwan and US By Kurt Campell
(Taipei Times, Apr. 4, 2008) KMT’s Ma Ying-jeou was elected to be the next president reflects a deep and profound interest in political change among the body politic. There is a palpable sense of fatigue and dissatisfaction with the policies of outgoing President Chen Shui-bian and a desire for a change in direction both in policies toward China on the one hand and the US on the other.

Taiwan's Ma Sets Plan To Recast Ties to China
(Washington Post, Mar. 24, 2008) Taiwan's president-elect, Ma Ying-jeou, outlined ambitious plans Sunday to revolutionize economic and security relations with China, aiming ultimately for a peace accord ending 59 years of hostility across the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan Public Mood Index
(Global Views, Mar. 2008) The trust index for the KMT fall 1.5 point from last month to 52.4, and the trust index for KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung also loses 1.6 point to 53.6. Despite the loss, both indexes stay in the level of “winning some public approval.”

Ma Seen to Place Strong Emphasis on Japan Ties as Taiwan President (Kyodo News, Mar. 22, 2008) Taiwan's relations with Japan look ready to turn a corner now the island's main opposition Nationalist Party (KMT) candidate Ma Ying-jeou clinched the next presidency.

A Legacy of Lost Hopes in Taiwan
(LA Times, Mar. 10, 2008) As President Chen prepares to step down after the March 22 election, he leaves a legacy of broken dreams and missed opportunities, an eight-year rule marked by particularly tense relations with China, strained links with Washington, a limping economy and a battered bureaucracy.

Cross-Strait Relations: Ma’s “Three No’s” By Ralph A. Cossa
(Pacific Forum, CSIS, Jan. 18, 2008) Koumintang (KMT) candidate Ma Ying-jeou has proclaimed a “three no’s” policy – no unification, no independence, no use of force – in outlining his planned approach to cross-Strait relations should he win the March 22 Taiwan presidential election. Ma’s construct is much more thoughtful and positively oriented; it appears aimed at reassuring three main audiences: the people of Taiwan, the People’s Republic of China, and the United States and international community in general.

Taiwan's Ma Seen Cautious on China Ties By Peter Enav
(Associated Press, Jan. 17, 2008) Tensions with rival China should ease if Taiwan elects front-runner Ma Ying-jeou as president in March, though any breakthroughs with Beijing likely would have to wait until at least 2010.