President Ma Ying-jeou says there’s room for improvement when it comes to democracy and the rule of law in Taiwan. He was speaking Monday while meeting with participants of this year’s events commemorating World Freedom Day.
World Freedom Day is observed every year in Taiwan on January 23rd. It marks the return to Taiwan of some 22,000 people who were taken prisoner by the Chinese communists during the Korean War.
Ma said that the pursuit of freedom and democracy was the objective when the Republic of China was founded in 1912. However, Ma said that while Taiwan is now a democracy and has just held a presidential election, there is still room for improvement.
“More effort is needed when it comes to the spirit of democracy, particularly in the areas of majority rule, respect for minority positions, and a tolerance for differing viewpoints," said Ma.
Ma said that since he took office in 2008, he has pursued peace across the Taiwan Strait, as well in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.
Ma also said he hoped his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping last November had laid the groundwork for permanent cross-strait peace.