Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) urged Former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) on Tuesday to be mindful of the Taiwanese people's views regarding the values of sovereignty, democracy, and the rule of law during his visit to China. This was said in response to the news that Ma is scheduled to visit China next month.
The Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation announced on Monday that the former president will lead a delegation of students to visit China. The trip, scheduled from April 1 to April 11, includes visits to businesses and tourist spots in Beijing, and in the Guangdong and Shaanxi provinces. While Foundation Director Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑) added that no arrangements have been made currently to meet with Chinese officials, the specifics would be up to the Chinese side who is hosting the delegation.
Speculations have been rife about a possible "Ma-Xi Meeting” given the timing of the visit, which coincides with heightened cross-strait tensions due to the death of Chinese fishermen in a clash with Taiwanese coast guards.
As Ma is traveling as a civilian, Chen says the government respects Ma's personal travel plans and will provide the necessary security protection as requested by the former president. Chen hopes that the former president can also meet the expectations of the Taiwanese people during his visit.