TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chen Kuan-ting criticized former President Ma Ying-jeou on Monday (April 1) for visiting mainland China's "blacklisted" companies, saying it not only negatively impacts Taiwan's national interests but also sends the wrong message to the world.
Ma began an 11-day visit to the mainland on April 1, with his first stop at DJI, a renowned drone manufacturer that was blacklisted by the U.S. Department of Defense in 2022.
Chen pointed out that Ma's visits to DJI, Tencent, and BYD — tech firms with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party — could be interpreted as Taiwan endorsing these companies and the Chinese policies behind them. This, he said, could affect Taiwan's relations with Western countries.
Chen argued that Ma's trip could adversely affect Taiwan's burgeoning defense industry. He noted that opposition legislators often criticize the defense industry for its ties to Chinese capital. For domestic businesses, Ma's visit could send the wrong message about Taiwan's self-defense and cooperation with Chinese-funded enterprises.
Chen believes that Ma's visit lacks a clear purpose and does not contribute positively to Taiwan's foreign relations or cross-strait relations. Instead, he said, Ma is merely stepping into the agenda set by China.
