Taiwan Needs To Be On Good Terms With U.S., Japan, China

Taiwan Needs To Be On Good Terms With U.S., Japan, China: President Ma

President Ma Ying-jeou said June 15 that Taiwan must maintain good relations with its three key trading partners -- the United States, Japan and mainland China.

"It's no easy task, but not unattainable, and we have made progress toward that goal over the past four years," Ma said.

He made the remarks while receiving visiting U.S. scholar Ezra F. Vogel, a Henry Ford II Professor of the Social Sciences Emeritus at Harvard University.

Ma said he has attached great importance to improving relations with China since taking office in May 2008.

Through strenuous efforts, Ma said, relations with China are no longer a frustrating obstacle to Taiwan's development and can now even help boost its growth.

At the same time, Ma told Vogel that his administration has never overlooked its longtime friendship with the U.S., especially cooperation in defense affairs.

Ma noted that Taiwan-U.S. relations are now even better than before.

Touching on Taiwan-Japan ties, Ma said this year marks the 40th anniversary of the breakup of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"We have come a long way since that dark moment," Ma said, adding that Taipei-Tokyo relations have continued to improve over the past four years and are now in their best-ever shape.

A premium collection of ancient Chinese art treasures at the National Palace Museum in suburban Taipei will be on loan to a Tokyo museum in the future under a cultural exchange program, Ma said, adding that the project is expected to further boost mutual understanding and friendship.

Regarding relations with China, Ma also mentioned his administration's decision to allow local colleges to admit Chinese students under a quota system.

"I'm glad to see young students from both sides of the Taiwan Strait studying together at our campuses," Ma said, adding it is an encouraging development in bilateral ties.

ENDS

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