Date:24/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/24/stories/2008032455501600.htm

International

Ma pledges to work for links with China

P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE: Ma Ying-jeou, President-elect of the non-sovereign territory of Taiwan, on Sunday pledged to work towards “economic normalisation” of ties with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Addressing the international media in Taipei a day after winning the presidential poll, he commented on his campaign themes of a common market and a so-called “peace treaty” that could link the territory with the PRC. The international community endorses the One-China principle, under which Taiwan belongs to the PRC.

Mr. Ma said: “A ‘peace treaty’ will not take priority over the economic normalisation [of relations with China]. Presently, we will like to start preliminary contacts [with the PRC] on how a ‘peace treaty’ should be signed.”

Set to assume office in May, , Mr. Ma said he would focus on “maximising opportunities and minimising security risks” in interactions with Beijing. The “urgent problems” were cited as the establishment of two-way direct flights; and the encouragement of tourism as also financial services .

A comment in the diplomatic circles is that the President-elect should shape his policy towards Beijing in the light of the Taiwanese electorate’s rejection of the proposals that the territory seek re-entry into the United Nations. Taiwan was expelled from all forums of the world body in 1971.