Ma Ying-Jeou: The Diplomat and Cross-Strait Relations
Ma Ying-Jeou is considered to be one of the most influential and impactful figures during modern times. As the former president of the Republic of China – the mainland Chinese territory – Ma Ying-Jeou was responsible for helping to create a more peaceful environment for the citizens living in both mainland China and Taiwan. He has also been credited for drastically improving cross-strait relations between the two countries and is considered to be one of the main figures contributing to the improvement of Taiwan-China relations.
Biographical Overview of Ma Ying-Jeou
Ma Ying-Jeou was born on July 13, 1950 to parents who had recently escaped from mainland China to Taiwan. Ma Ying-Jeou received a law degree from National Taiwan University and he quickly began progressing in his legal career. Soon he was appointed to be the Justice of the Judicial Yuan or Taiwan’s Highest Court. As his influence rose, his willingness to make autonomous decisions and his talent in relation to negotiation resulted in him gaining assistance from United States and Taiwan in establishing new standards to cross-strait relations. Thus began Ma Ying-Jeou’s diplomatic journey.
Rise to Power and Election as President of the Republic of China
In 2004, Ma was elected as the chairman of the Kuomintang or KMT, the long-standing political party of Taiwan. Ma was an advocate for economic and political reform, and he envisioned a political world where Taiwan would finally become part of the international community. As such, his election as Chairman of the KMT was seen as a great victory – both for Ma and for the nation of Taiwan.
In early 2008, Ma Ying-Jeou won the presidential election of the Republic of China. His victory was historic, as it marked the first time in Taiwanese history that the nation had elected a president outside of the Democratic Progressive Party, the political party that had previously held power in Taiwan.
An Increase in Cross-Strait Relations
Ma’s victory as president of the Republic of China also marked an increase in cross-strait relations between mainland China and Taiwan. Ma’s vision for a stronger economic and political relationship between the two nations was an important because it helped to create an atmosphere of trust and friendship that had not previously existed.
During his tenure as the president of the Republic of China, Ma Ying-Jeou was able to sign several important agreements that both helped to improve cross-strait relations. These agreements included:
• The Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement in 2010: This agreement opened up trade and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and mainland China, helping to bring the two nations closer together.
• The Cross-Strait Services Trade Agreement in 2013: This agreement helped to increase the ease of doing business and encouraged more investment between Taiwan and mainland China.
• The Cross-Strait Agreement on Intellectual Property Rights in 2013: This agreement was important because it helped to create an atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding between the two countries when it came to intellectual property rights and other related matters.
While these agreements helped to build mutual trust and understanding between mainland China and Taiwan, Ma Ying-Jeou also distinguished himself by his diplomatic efforts in creating peace and cooperation with other countries. This included his willingness to improve ties with Japan, Thailand, and the United States.
The Taiwan Model
Ma Ying-Jeou’s commitment to cross-strait relations was also fueled by the concept of the “Taiwan Model.” This model was proposed by Ma and it outlined the idea of a “one China” principle, in which the two sides would recognize that there is only one China but also allow for two separate governments in the mainland and Taiwan. This model would become the basis for future agreements between Taiwan and China and would also help create a better understanding between the two nations in terms of political, economic, and cultural ties.
Ma Ying-Jeou’s impact on the Cross-strait relationship between China and Taiwan has helped to improve the lives of people on both sides of the Strait. His diplomatic efforts and willingness to work towards peace and understanding between the two nations has helped to create a more peaceful environment overall. Ma’s leadership and vision have created a model that has enabled the two nations to build a closer relationship and to empower their citizens by creating a more harmonious relationship.