Former President Ma Ying-jeou of Taiwan's largest opposition party, the Kuomintang, who is visiting China for the first time as Taiwan's president, met with high-ranking Chinese government officials on March 30. President Ma emphasized the importance of "One China" and called for strengthening relations.
Former President Ma Ying-jeou, who is visiting China, held a meeting with Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council in charge of Taiwan policy, in the inland province of Hubei Province on March 30.
According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Song said, "Our compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family, and we firmly oppose separatist activities for 'Taiwan independence' and interference by outside forces."
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen strongly rebuked President Tsai and the United States, keeping in mind that she would stay in the United States, a transit point, before and after her visit to Central America, and meet with Speaker McCarthy.
In response, President Ma replied that "compatriots on both sides belong to the same Chinese nation," and emphasized the importance of "one China," recalling his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Singapore in 1. He then stated, "The two sides must maintain exchanges and avoid any wars or clashes," and called for strengthening relations.
In anticipation of Taiwan's presidential election to be held in January next year, President Ma is also expected to appeal to the KMT as the one that can engage in dialogue with China.