More than 70% of respondents to a recent survey say they are satisfied with the results of President Ma Ying-jeou’s policy of viable diplomacy. That’s the word from the National Development Council on Thursday.
Ma will be stepping down on May 20 after completing his second term as president. The survey was designed to gauge public opinion on Ma’s administration in 13 areas including public security, transportation, diplomacy, tourism, and cross-strait issues.
Ma’s viable diplomacy has aimed to improve ties with other countries and create a place for Taiwan in the international community, all while avoiding confrontation with China. Viable diplomacy has also sought to secure benefits including visa-free travel for Taiwanese passport holders. About 75% of those polled said they are most satisfied with the growth in the number of countries that have dropped visa requirements during Ma’s presidency.
Meanwhile, about 70% of the respondents said they are satisfied with infrastructure projects including the electrification of the Hualien-Taitung rail line. More than 50% of respondents voiced satisfaction with subsidies for childcare and free tuition for children under the age of five. However, the survey found that more than 30% of respondents are dissatisfied with government efforts to combat crime, raise the minimum wage, and make buying a house easier for young adults.