TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Wednesday (Dec. 11) urged former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) to assert his status as the former president of the Republic of China, Taiwan, during his upcoming visit to China. Cho expressed hope that Ma could stand up for Taiwan amid rising cross-strait tensions.
The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation's (馬英九基金會) chief executive Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑), announced Ma's invitation from the Chinese side to attend the "Cross-Strait Youth Ice and Snow Festival" (海峽兩岸青年冰雪節) in Harbin from Dec. 18-26. Ma will lead foundation students and visit Chengdu (成都) in Sichuan Province (四川省).
Cho also advised the Taipei City Government to carefully assess the impact of the upcoming Taipei-Shanghai Twin City Forum (雙城論壇), referencing the discussions sparked by recent activities organized by the foundation. He emphasized the importance of effective communication and management to avoid unnecessary conflicts if the forum proceeds.
Cho highlighted recent Chinese military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, which he said threaten peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He stressed that not only Taiwan but also democratic partner countries are concerned about these activities. Cho urged Beijing to cease its inappropriate and irrational behavior to foster healthy and orderly cross-strait exchanges in the future.
