The Presidential Office yesterday denied that President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) recent remark that Taiwan would “never” ask the US to fight for it in a war was part of a political trade-off with China.
Presidential Office Spokesman Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) said that the administration’s cross-strait and foreign policies have been consistent since Ma took office two years ago: “We always take a Taiwan-centric approach and do whatever is beneficial for the people … We never have and never will compromise our sovereignty and Taiwan’s interest and dignity.”
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌) criticized Ma on Monday, claiming that his remarks unilaterally changed Taiwan’s strategic goals vis a vis the Taiwan Strait and undermined the US’ purposely vague cross-strait policy.
Tsai said he was curious about the administration’s new strategy for tripartite relations between the US, China and Taiwan. He also demanded to know if any under-the-table deals had been made.
Tsai urged the Presidential Office to explain whether Ma’s remark was part of a political quid pro quo with Beijing and a “political early-harvest list” for China, as the two sides prepare for a third round of negotiations on an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) due to be signed next month.
Ma made the remarks during an interview last week with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour.
Lo said he “understood” the DPP’s concern but “was not surprised” by its reaction.
As the international situation changes, Taiwan must make policy adjustments accordingly, Lo said. Taking regional economic integration as an example, he said it is the administration’s responsibility to lead the country’s export-driven economy out of isolation and enhance business competitiveness.
“The DPP claims that our cross-strait policy is not accepted by the international community, but such an allegation flies in the face of facts,” he said.
Many countries, including the US, and their trade offices as well as internationally renowned pundits have acknowledged the improved relationship between Taipei and Beijing, Lo said.
“So far the only one not happy with cross-strait rapprochement is the DPP,” he said.
Lo said the DPP was “well aware” that its perception of China is far-fetched and of the huge gap between its assessment and that of the international community.
Meanwhile, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) was vague when asked about Ma’s comment.
“The United States welcomes the recent reduction of tensions in the Taiwan Strait that President Ma referred to in his interview …We believe continued cross-strait dialogue furthers regional peace, stability and prosperity. We hope these efforts continue,” spokesman Christopher Kavanagh said.
Asked if that could be interpreted as a favorable response to Ma saying Taiwan would never ask the US to fight against China on its behalf, Kavanagh said “I think our comments stand on their own.”
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY CNA
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