President Ma Ying-jeou spoke about the importance of the military on Friday at a celebration among military groups for Veterans Day.
Ma said the armed forces are the first to help the people during disasters and that they have been a source of strength for the nation. He said the government is working towards a voluntary military force that will improve benefits for people serving in the military and help streamline and strengthen the nation’s defenses.
Ma said that Taiwan and China have signed 21 agreements, and cross-strait ties are at the most peaceful and stable in 65 years. He also said that even though there are suspicions that there have been leaks of classified information, this is only a small bump in the course of developing cross-strait relations. He said the government will deal with this case seriously and continue to promote better relations with China.
"The Republic of China government highly values cross-strait relations," said Ma. "We will continue to promote cross-strait relations. But we must do so according to the law and with mutual respect. That’s the only way we can work for the interests of Taiwan and its people."
President Ma said his administration’s China policy is very clear. Under the framework of the Republic of China constitution, it will maintain the status quo of no unification, no independence and no military force. The Republic of China is Taiwan’s official name.
Ma said the nation’s policy is to develop cross-strait relations on the basis of the 1992 Consensus which is based on the concept of One China with two interpretations.