President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday said the confrontation between North and South Korea highlighted the importance of Taiwan promoting a peaceful cross-strait relationship with China.
Ma expressed concern about the tensions between the two nations, while touting his government’s efforts to improve relations with China.
“We are concerned about the tensions in the region. On the other hand, we think our goal of improving cross-strait relations is correct,” Ma said while meeting a European Parliament delegation led by Germany’s Michael Gahler at the Presidential Office.
Tensions between the two Koreas accelerated after the South blamed the North for a March 26 torpedo strike that sank the warship Cheonan, killing 46 sailors.
The US has thrown its full support behind Seoul’s moves and said the two nation’s are planning two major military exercises off the Korean Peninsula in a display of force intended to deter future aggression by the North.
China, on the other hand, has not backed the strong response from the US, Japan and South Korea, saying only that the North should show restraint.
Ma yesterday said the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait have been sources of tension in East Asia. The tensions across the strait have been greatly reduced since his administration worked to improve relations with China, he said.
“My administration will continue its efforts to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We will replace confrontation with negotiations and seek reconciliation,” he said.
Presidential Office Spokesman Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) later added that the government would be alert to the situation on the Korean Peninsula and take related measures if necessary.
Saying that Taiwan maintains close relations with Europe, Ma also told his European guests yesterday that over the past two years the EU has stated 11 times its support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and activities.
He expressed hope that the EU would grant visa-waiver status to Taiwanese and that trade ties becould be strengthened by signing a Taiwan-EU trade enhancement measures agreement.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY CNA
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