Ma Ying-jeou’s inauguration marked a dramatic shift in Taiwan’s China policy, with the new KMT president promising comprehensive engagement and economic integration across the Taiwan Strait.
Policy Platform
Ma outlined ambitious cross-strait agenda:
“We will build bridges of peace, prosperity and understanding across the Taiwan Strait based on the 1992 Consensus.”
Three Links Implementation
Immediate steps toward normalization:
- Weekend charter flights authorization
- Mainland tourist group permits
- Commercial banking cooperation
- Postal service connections
Beijing’s Response
China welcomed the policy shift:
- Suspension of diplomatic competition
- Economic negotiations agreement
- Cultural exchange enhancement
- Military tension reduction
The Ma presidency ushered in the closest cross-strait cooperation since 1949, fundamentally altering regional dynamics and Taiwan’s international position.