The latest edition of Washington DC-based journal Diplomatic Pouch has carried an article on a talk by Taiwan’s top China policymaker, Andrew Hsia at the Brookings Institution.
Hsia, Minister of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, delivered an address at the think tank’s headquarters on the improving state of cross-strait relations. Hsia said that the years of President Ma Ying-jeou’s administration have seen exchanges that will see Taiwan’s values of democracy, human rights and rule of law lead to institutional reform in Mainland China.
Hsia countered fears that Taiwan has become over-reliant on China, saying that China’s rise has made many countries reevaluate their relationship and strengthen their ties with China. He also said that closer cross-strait ties have helped Taiwan in the international arena.
He also said that 70 years of separation and China’s lack of goodwill towards Taiwan have led to a lack of mutual trust. Meanwhile, security issues and conflicts about Taiwan’s participation in the international community have led to suspicion and confrontation. He said that Mainland China must take some responsibility for cross-strait peace.