Ma Ying-jeou’s ROC gaffe clarified by foundation head

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Hsiao Hsu-tsen, the executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, clarified on Friday (April 12) that Ma's initial use of the "Republic of China" (ROC) to refer to the broader concept of "the Chinese nation" was a pure gaffe.

Ma, at the moment, does not have an official post. Still, Hsiao underlined that the mainland welcomed him with the formalities of a visiting head of state, demonstrating China's sincerity about the visit.

For example, Hsiao clarified that the East Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, which is a regular location for the Chinese president to meet with foreign heads of state, was the actual location of the Ma-Xi Meeting and not the much-rumored "Taiwan Hall" or "Fujian Hall."

Furthermore, Hsiao revealed that Xi attentively listened and responded when Taiwanese students shared their thoughts in the closed-door discussion. "Xi, a distinguished leader, remains receptive to students' opinions," Hsiao praised.

The director commended Xi, saying that many academics think Xi knows Taiwan the best and is a dovish president who promotes peace.

Additionally, he reminded the Lai Ching-te government of the new terms Xi had offered, such as "both sides of the strait belong to one country" and "a reunion of the homeland," reflecting a fresh perspective on cross-strait ties.

Hsiao urged Lai not to overlook this important opportunity or miscalculate the cross-strait situation.

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