Beijing: Former President Ma Ying-jeou on Thursday emphasized his advocacy for "peaceful and democratic unification" between Taiwan and China during an event in China. The event was held at the Dunhuang Academy in Gansu province and was attended by Beijing's top official in charge of Taiwan affairs.
According to Focus Taiwan, Ma outlined his vision for unification, stressing that "peaceful" means avoiding the use of force, while "democratic" entails respecting the will of the Taiwanese people. Ma, who served as Taiwan's president from 2008 to 2016, expressed satisfaction with his ongoing efforts to promote cross-strait relations. The event was part of Ma's fourth visit to China since leaving office, a trip that started on June 14 and is set to conclude with his return to Taiwan on Friday.
Song Tao, director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, also addressed the gathering, stating that "Taiwan belongs to all Chinese people on both sides of the Strait" and advocating for a future that is "jointly decided by all of China's sons and daughters across the Strait." Song reiterated opposition to Taiwan independence and emphasized adherence to the "one China principle" and the "1992 consensus."
The "1992 consensus" is an understanding reached between Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) government and the Chinese government, acknowledging there is only "one China," with each side interpreting the term independently. However, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan has not recognized this consensus, arguing that it limits Taiwan's interpretation of its sovereignty.
In response to Ma's political advocacy, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), Taiwan's top agency for cross-strait affairs, declined to comment. During his two-week visit to China, Ma has led Taiwanese students to various events, including the Straits Forum, which has been criticized by the MAC as potentially serving Beijing's propaganda efforts targeting Taiwan.