Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying Jeou (2008-2016) has announced that he will travel to China next week, in what is seen as a historic trip in the region, as he will be the first former Taiwanese head of state to visit mainland China since 1949.
On this trip, Ma is expected to visit several cities, including Nanjing, Wuhan or Shanghai, from March 27 to April 7, as reported by the island’s news portal UDN.
The former president is »very conscious» that his first visit to the mainland will have »considerable» political effects, and has pointed out that he does not want this announcement to be a controversy or to be used in a political way for the next general elections.
Although Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949, the Chinese government’s fundamental policy toward the island has so far been one of peaceful reunification under the »one country two systems» principle.
The authorities of the Asian giant continue to consider Taiwan as another province under its sovereignty. Following the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the international community has expressed its concern about the possibility of China carrying out similar measures against Taiwan.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
