Politics

Ma stresses importance of Taiwan-US relations

ROC President Ma Ying-jeou (right) receives American Institute in Taiwan Chairman Raymond F. Burghardt at the Presidential Office in Taipei Feb. 1. (CNA)

• Publication Date：02/02/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Rachel Chan

ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said Feb. 1 that his administration attaches great importance to relations with the U.S. and is committed to further expanding bilateral ties.

“Taiwan-U.S. relations are the healthiest they’ve been in 30 years,” Ma told Raymond F. Burghardt, chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan, at the Presidential Office in Taipei.

Taiwan will continue working closely with the U.S. on issues of mutual concern, including the long-running trade dispute on Taiwan’s ban on the importation of U.S. beef containing the feed additive ractopamine, the president added.

“After our new Cabinet is sworn in Feb. 6, we will employ new approaches and exchange views with our U.S. counterparts to resolve the matter,” Ma said.

He also reiterated wishes to resume the bilateral high-level trade talks under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.

Over the last three years Taiwan’s relations with mainland China and Japan have also reached new heights, providing a strong foundation for the country’s international ties, Ma noted.

“Ties with Japan have not been better in 40 years,” Ma said. “With mainland China we now enjoy the best relations in 60 years.”

These strong relationships with the world’s three leading economies will make things easier as Taiwan continues to develop ties with other countries, creating a virtuous cycle that serves Taiwan’s best interests, the president said.

In this respect, Ma said, a key element has been the government’s maintenance of the status quo under the framework of the ROC Constitution and the principle of no unification, no independence and no use of force, along with the “1992 consensus,” an informal agreement between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait that there is one China, with each side free to interpret what that means in its own way.

Ma, who was re-elected Jan. 14 for a second term, said the new administration will be dedicated to closing the wealth gap, improving employment and protecting the environment. Regular consultations with opposition leaders and civic groups will help him see all sides to major issues confronting the nation.

The recent Cabinet reshuffling reflects the importance the government places on national land planning, the economy, and cultural and educational issues, he added.

Another major goal for Taiwan is to play an active role in regional economic integration, Ma said, adding that the country aims to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a multilateral free trade bloc, within 10 years.

Congratulating Ma on his re-election, Burghardt said the U.S. looks to continue developing friendly relations with Taiwan and expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation. It is also willing to help Taiwan participate in Asia-Pacific regional economic integration, he added. (THN)

Write to Rachel Chan at rachelchan@mail.gio.gov.tw