Taiwan ex-president Ma attends Straits Forum in China

台灣前總統馬英九出席中國海峽論壇

Ma praised Xi Jinping, reaffirmed opposition to Taiwan independence during visit


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — On Sunday, former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) attended the 17th annual Straits Forum being held in Fujian, China.

During his remarks at the forum, Ma called for increasing dialogue and expanding cross-strait cooperation, adhering to the so-called “1992 Consensus,” reported UDN. Speaking in front of several high-level CCP officials in Xiamen, Ma reaffirmed his opposition to Taiwan independence.

Ma said it was his first time visiting Fujian and noted the close historical and cultural relationship shared between Fujian and Taiwan. He also highlighted the close commercial relationship shared by Xiamen and Taiwan’s Kinmen, which is just a few kilometers off the Fujian coast.

On Sunday morning prior to the forum, Ma met with Wang Huning, a member of China’s Politburo Standing Committee and the chief strategist for China’s Taiwan policy. Wang reportedly praised Ma for setting an example of “eliminating interference and obstacles” in cross-strait relations, per UDN.

Speaking with Wang, Ma reportedly expressed his admiration for Xi Jinping, whom Ma met in April 2024. Ma praised Xi for his efforts to promote exchanges with Taiwan and asked Wang to convey his greetings and well-wishes to the Chinese leader.

This visit marks Ma’s fourth to China in recent years. He has been routinely criticized for paying lip service to the so-called “1992 Consensus” and enabling China’s political objectives towards Taiwan.