Xi Jinping hosts former Taiwan President in rare Beijing meeting

During the meeting, Xi praises Ma’s stance against ‘Taiwan independence’ while Ma stresses shared identity and peace preservation

Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in unprecedented discussions Wednesday with former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou, who advocates for stronger ties with China.

This extraordinary rendezvous comes just weeks ahead of Taiwan’s inauguration of a new leader, a move openly opposed by Beijing.

China hosts former Taiwan president for the first time since 1949

The significance of this carefully orchestrated encounter is immense, laden with political symbolism.

It marks the first instance of a former Taiwan president being hosted by China’s top leader in Beijing since the Kuomintang (KMT) under Chiang Kai-shek sought refuge in Taipei in 1949.

Additionally, this meeting signifies the first reunion between Xi and former KMT leader Ma since their groundbreaking summit in Singapore back in 2015.

“One China”

However, amid this reunion lies a poignant portrayal of the growing political chasm across the Taiwan Strait. Xi’s increasingly assertive stance toward Taipei has pushed more Taiwanese citizens away from China.

During the talks, Xi commended Ma for his stance against “Taiwan independence,” his efforts in promoting cross-strait exchanges, and his acknowledgment that both sides of the strait are part of “one China.”

Xi: No force can separete China and Taiwan

“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all Chinese people. There is no grudge that cannot be resolved, no issue that cannot be discussed and no force that can separate us,” Xi stated.

“External interference cannot stop the historic trend of the reunion of the family and the country,” he added. 

In response, Ma emphasized the shared Chinese identity between the two sides of the strait, urging respect for cherished values and the preservation of peace.

“If a war breaks out between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, it will be an unbearable burden for the Chinese nation,” he said. “I sincerely hope that both sides respect the values and way of life treasured by the people and maintain peace across the strait.”

Decline in Chinese identity as Taiwan asserts sovereignty demands

Despite these overtures, the allure of a common Chinese identity has significantly diminished in Taiwan, exacerbated by Xi’s escalating military, economic and diplomatic pressures on the democratic island.

This shift was evident in January’s elections, where Taiwanese voters defied warnings from China and secured a historic third term for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), electing Lai Ching-te, a figure known for advocating Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Against this backdrop, Ma’s meeting with Xi takes place amid a flurry of diplomatic activities in Washington, where President Joe Biden will convene the inaugural leaders’ summit between the U.S., Japan and the Philippines.

Concerns over China’s growing assertiveness under Xi, particularly toward Taiwan, serve as a central agenda for this summit

Source: Newsroom