Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou plans to visit China next week. He is the first former or current Taiwanese head of state to visit the People’s Republic. The 12-day trip, set to begin March 27, was announced amid rising tensions between China and the island’s democratic republic.
Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949, but China considers the island part of its territory. Ma announces the visit and will lead a delegation of former officials and students and visit several Chinese cities. A visit to the capital Beijing was not on the schedule. Initially, there were also no meetings with high-ranking Chinese politicians.
Ma is a member of the Taiwanese opposition party Kuomintang (KMT) and ruled the island republic from 2008 to 2016. Under his leadership, Taiwan and China grew closer. In late 2015, Ma met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Singapore. Relations have cooled under the new Taiwanese government of President Tsai Ing-wen. Your Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) criticized the travel plans on Monday. Ma ignores Taiwan’s will and national interests.
The visit of former Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi in August last year has further heightened tensions. China responded with missile tests and military maneuvers, practicing a naval and air blockade and conquest of Taiwan. (aeg/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
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