DPP lawmaker criticizes Ma Ying-jeou’s China visit

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Wu Szu-yao criticized former President Ma Ying-jeou on Tuesday (April 2), suggesting his recent actions may have diminished Taiwan's national dignity.

Ma recently embarked on an 11-day visit to China, where he met with Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Affairs Office. He expressed a sense of kinship between the two sides, stating, "Blood is thicker than water."

Wu pointed out that Ma's reception in China was less grand than that of Lien Chan's visit in 2005, suggesting a downgrading of Ma's status. Wu criticized the Chinese official media for not referring to Ma as "former president" in their reports, not even affording him the courtesy of "Mr."

Ma visited DJI, a renowned drone manufacturer, which was blacklisted by the U.S. Department of Defense in 2022. Wu argued that Ma's visit to DJI served as a tool for China's united front work, applauding companies on the international blacklist.

Meanwhile, DPP legislator Chen Kuan-ting questioned Ma's visit to DJI, suggesting that it negatively impacted Taiwan's national interests and sent the wrong message to the world.

Hsiao Hsu-tsen, director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, rebutted Chen's criticism, arguing that young people would not accept the idea of isolating Taiwan.

Hsiao pointed out that DJI holds 70% of the global drone market, and Taiwanese students visiting DJI could broaden their international perspective.