Sunday, May 14, 2006

Ma Ying-jeou Interview on ABC Radio

China Digital Times pointed me to this interview with Ma Ying-jeou on ABC radio.

HAMISH ROBERTSON: The leader of Taiwan's Opposition has called for a peace agreement with China to defer the independence issue for 30 to 50 years.

The Mayor of Taipei and head of the nationalist KMT Party, Ma Ying-jeou, says Taiwan's Presidential election in 2008 will be a chance to step away from the confrontation policies of the current Taiwanese Government.

Mr Ma, who is expected to be the KMT presidential candidate, says he'll offer to make a new start with China.

But he insists Taiwan will not accept the one country, two systems formula used for Hong Kong.

Instead, he says, a peace deal would give time for China and Taiwan to create an economic common market, and give Taiwan what he describes as "a proper international space".

Correspondents always refer to the KMT as the "Nationalist Party" even though it is the Chinese Nationalist Party. Valuable perspective disappears when that occurs.

GRAEME DOBELL: Is it going to be difficult for you to be elected as President in 2008 if you are seen by some in Taiwan as running as China's candidate?

MA YING-JEOU: Actually, what we're doing now is to find a modus vivendi for Taiwan. In the last six years it's quite clear that the policy of the DPP wouldn't really work. They don't know how to handle the economy, they don't know how to handle Beijing, they don't know how to handle Americans. So I think, by and large, the people in Taiwan hope that there will be a change of government in 2008. And our policy, towards the mainland, is a policy for peace and prosperity. But we also want to preserve Taiwanese dignity and identity.

Dobell did not let Ma control the interview like this Newsweek interview a while back. Here he asks a good question, which Ma quickly blows off. Unfortunately Dobell let him hack on the DPP without demanding a serious response to his question. Note Ma's last statement refers to Taiwanese dignity and identity. Interesting on many levels. It would have been nice if Dobell had asked Ma how he thought the KMT would preserve Taiwanese dignity and identity by annexing the nation to China. Ma also pulls out all stops in answering the last question:

GRAEME DOBELL: Can you overcome China's suspicions though? Can you get China to the negotiating table and get a peace agreement, to take the independence issue off the table for 30 to 50 years?

MA YING-JEOU: This is not something that I created, without their notice or without their knowledge, no. They have known it, and they have agreed, in principle, to have a peace agreement, to have a common market, to discuss international space with us. What I'm trying to do in the five do's, is to extend a little bit further. When I talked about a peace agreement, they didn't talk about a duration. I put 30 to 50 years to it, simply to make it work, okay. And secondly, when I talk about international space, they didn't talk about how I want to go about it. I said we have to work out a modus vivendi to be effective during the duration of the peace accord and then we should go from there, to see what kind of arrangement that would, on one hand, recognise one China. On the other hand, to let Taiwan have the international space it deserves.

Unlike the DPP, Ma has a very good understanding of how to manipulate westerners. Talking vaguely about "international space" and "what Taiwan deserves" and "modus vivendi" are very good ways to hide what an ideologue Ma really is -- notice he still adheres to the one China policy, which reveals that his long-term goal is suppression of Taiwan's international space and local identity. I hope someone calls him on these contradictions and soon.

Also observe that Ma says two things clearly (1) they have already talked to Beijing about this and (2) the 30 to 50 year treaty is strictly for outside consumption:

When I talked about a peace agreement, they didn't talk about a duration. I put 30 to 50 years to it, simply to make it work, okay.

In other words, whatever Ma says, he has no modus vivendi. Beijing wants to annex Taiwan, and it wants to annex it now. It isn't going to wait for some unspecified period in the future.

It is clear that Ma is now working hard to overcome the screw-ups in the States earlier this year, when US conservatives correctly assailed him for being China's man in Taiwan. Ma has a hard row to hoe -- one on hand always making sure Beijing knows his party still serves it, while on the other convincing westerners that he is a moderate, while placating the Deep Blues in his own party who will not tolerate any recognition of Taiwan independence and hate its growing democracy passionately. I expect that Ma will soon commence another round of saying to his own party that he really didn't mean it when he talked about Taiwan's identity and dignity.

Time someone pins down the slippery Mayor Ma.

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't understand why Ma keeps saying modus vivendi. David at Jujuflop has enough skepticism over any written, signed, ratified peace treaty, but wouldn't a modus vivendi be even worse? Is Ma just using the term meaning both sides have differences but work out some kind of agreement anyways?

Anonymous said...

Taipei Mayor A-Bien:Good A-Bien
President A-Bien:Bad A-Bien

Anonymous said...

Taipei Mayor A-Bien:Good A-Bien
President A-Bien:Bad A-Bien

Anonymous said...

Taipei Mayor A-Bien:Good A-Bien
President A-Bien:Bad A-Bien

Anonymous said...

Taipei Mayor A-Bien:Good A-Bien
President A-Bien:Bad A-Bien

Anonymous said...

Taipei Mayor A-Bien:Good A-Bien
President A-Bien:Bad A-Bien

Anonymous said...

Taipei Mayor A-Bien:Good A-Bien
President A-Bien:Bad A-Bien

Anonymous said...

Taipei Mayor A-Bien:Good A-Bien
President A-Bien:Bad A-Bien

Anonymous said...

Taipei Mayor A-Bien:Good A-Bien
President A-Bien:Bad A-Bien

Anonymous said...

Taipei Mayor A-Bien:Good A-Bien
President A-Bien:Bad A-Bien

Anonymous said...

Taipei Mayor A-Bien:Good A-Bien
President A-Bien:Bad A-Bien

Anonymous said...

Taipei Mayor A-Bien:Good A-Bien
President A-Bien:Bad A-Bien

Anonymous said...

Taipei Mayor A-Bien:Good A-Bien
President A-Bien:Bad A-Bien

Anonymous said...

Taipei Mayor A-Bien:Good A-Bien
President A-Bien:Bad A-Bien

Anonymous said...

China is THE fucking mafia, and they're taking over the world by violence, it's not a secret. everyone knows that the Communist Party of China is made up of the wordls most biggest retards, they know how they neglect human rights in China, how they try to brainwash the nation (very seriously I might add), and how the people are so suppressed they have no idea what is going on out there. China, in my opinion, is the most fucked up "successful-on-the-outside" country in the whole world.

But it is not up to MA to decide HOW to treat Beijing, because let's face it, NO ONE is going to stand by Taiwan's side when it comes to dealing with the CN-TW issue.

I personally was born and raised in Taiwan, and I would never want to reunite with China, EVER. in fact, I've been to different cities in China, and I know how messed up the place. and I'm pretty sure the rest of Taiwan know about that too, even the KMT, or as you call it, the "Chinese" Nationalist Party.

again, the "Chinese" part of the KMT is just a name that hasn't been changed since Chang Kai-shek came over to Taiwan 60 years ago, but I won't get into that.

translated into plain language, MA's statement meant that he plans on keeping Taiwan the way it is as long as possible - to not reunite with China, and of course, not to declare independence (which is a stupid idea, especially NOW). and I really don't blame him for that, because at this point, that is all we can do.

China is the fastest growing country economically nowadays, in fact, it has recently become the 3rd biggest economically influencial country, right behind the US and the UK, beating out Germany. However fucked up the country may be inside, we have to face the fact that BECAUSE China is so huge (population wise, geographically, etc) the success of few cities like Shanghai, Hong Kong, ShenZhen, Xiamen will easily exceed/beat out Taiwan's economical ability.

Taiwan, in the international community, is not even a recognised country. in the US, Taiwan is treated as an economical group, and frankly, most companies over the world would much rather do business with China than Taiwan.
So when it comes to a choice between China and Taiwan, most countries will stand by China's side.

To make a further point, China wouldn't even need to go to war if they wanted Taiwan, they could simply just make a sort of statement such as: "if you do business with Taiwan, I don't do business with you". Immoral, yes, but the truth is, there's nothing Taiwan can do about it.

The DPP's aggressive attitude to declare independence immediately is not only ridiculous, but flat-out stupid. it's killing the future and economy of Taiwan, and CERTAINLY does NOT lead to peace and prosperity in the future.
Added to that, Chen Shui-bian is just a miniature Dubya Bush, except probably less educated and more arrogant.

I am not saying that I don't want Taiwan to be independent. I dream that one day we WILL be independent, but now is not the time. espeically when Taiwan is not recognised internationally at all.

Have they really thought about the consequences of declaring independence? Do we really want to be a country that no one's heard of, no one cares about? because seriously, I understand this. I study in the states, and when I say I'm from Taiwan, about 50% of the people go, "oh thats so cool" (with a look on their face that says, "I have no idea where that is". if, today, we were as strong standing as, say, South Korea, or Japan, then of course, I'd say, fuck it, let's go for independence.
but NOW IS NOT THE TIME. maybe in 30-50 years, but not now.

if the DPP offers a more qualified candidate, and has a better policy on dealing with China and whatnot, I would gladly vote for them. however I don't see that coming, as they will most likely be nominating people such as Su Jen-chang and his gang.

Anonymous said...

oh, and my name is Katie, by the way.

Anonymous said...

"translated into plain language, MA's statement meant that he plans on keeping Taiwan the way it is as long as possible - to not reunite with China, and of course, not to declare independence (which is a stupid idea, especially NOW). and I really don't blame him for that, because at this point, that is all we can do."

Chairman Ma is against Taiwan's political reform. The very reform that'll help Taiwan economy, which is why we are behind even South Korea now. He is also against Taiwan purchase of submarines and weaponary for our security!!

China had no reason to give Chairman Ma the space he described because he doesn't hold any bargaining power to deal with China in that way unless he gives what China wants, which is 'one country and two systems'.

Chairman Ma in the end will just be a China's bitch!!


"But it is not up to MA to decide HOW to treat Beijing, because let's face it, NO ONE is going to stand by Taiwan's side when it comes to dealing with the CN-TW issue."

USA stand by Taiwan's side! Your bullshit will not sell here! All of the island countries such as Japan and UK have a real Navy with a very huge fleet of submarines!!


"I am not saying that I don't want Taiwan to be independent. I dream that one day we WILL be independent, but now is not the time. espeically when Taiwan is not recognised internationally at all."

Of course, you don't! Your intention is clear as night and day to me! If Taiwan needs cheap labors, India also have them as well! China isn't the only growing economic in Asia with tons of stupid and poor people, who probably enjoyed getting fucked by their wonderful government!!


"if the DPP offers a more qualified candidate, and has a better policy on dealing with China and whatnot, I would gladly vote for them. however I don't see that coming, as they will most likely be nominating people such as Su Jen-chang and his gang."

On the contrary, DPP is still too soft. Maybe, one day, Taiwan will have my kind of political party I like the most. One that's ready to wipe the bullshit and fake smile off our enemy's face, so they don't forget who they (Taiwanese) are dealing with!!

Iron_Jackal_TW

Anonymous said...

the USA will stand by Taiwan's side? are you kidding me?
just look at how Chen was treated when he recently tried to "visit" the US. the US wouldn't even let him pss through the land of America. he ended up visiting Hawaii and Alaska and couldn't even see his son in NY or visit San Fransisco, where he claimed to love so much.

when the Chinese embassadors go to the US, they are treated very well, and even Dubya himself has to meet the assholes in person. when Chen proposes to visit, he gets kicked around, and doesn't even know until the last minute where he will be visiting.

sure, the US WILL stand by Taiwan's side, but under ONE condition, which they gave very clearly: that Taiwan's current situation with China must NOT be changed.

the reason Chen was treated like shit was because he had (and forgive my Chinese here, I'm not very good at English) 廢國統會 (basically he dismissed the council that was supposed to "reunite with China".) now obviously that council has been dead (ie not operating) for so many years people have already forgotten its existance, what is the harm of just keeping it there?
it was a very simple condition that the US gave to Taiwan: to keep that council and don't do anything stupid that changes the current TW-CN situation. he broke his promise to the US, and to us (the people of Taiwan), and that's why he was treated like shit when he tried to visit the US.

similarly, the so-called "political reform" is actually just a safer way for the DPP (or people who are seeking to declare independence RIGHT AWAY) to make major changes which will harm the Taiwan-China relationship. also against the US's condition. THIS, certainly, is not going to lead Taiwan to ANY peace.

buying more weapons is also a stupid idea, as it is A) a huge waste of money (which will do NOTHING for the economy) and B) probably never going to be needed. Taiwan is NOT going to war in the near future, or ever. if it really comes down that Chen pisses China off to the extent where the word "war" is implied,

and yes, at the moment, Taiwan IS China's bitch. as is the US, actually. when Bush visited Beijing last time, he was asked to ask a list of things which he didn't even have the guts to do. he didn't mention anything about human rights, or trade equity, because let's face it, he had to kiss China's ass.

and yes, India is a major growing economy in Asia, but they have NOTHING to do with Taiwan, and frankly, couldn't care less. China, on the other hand, is where 90% of the population of Taiwan has come from, and their culture, history and literature are still studied and deeply influencial in the Taiwanese community.

and I was born and raised in Taiwan, I could not want Taiwan to be independent MORE. I am constantly pissed off when nobody knows anything about Taiwan and assume that we are part of China and whatever.

I am so sick of foreigners thinking that they know Taiwan and whats best for Taiwan. they're not Taiwanese, they never grew up here, they don't know shit about Taiwan. I appreciate the support for independence,

the truth is, we aren't even part of China at the moment. and if its just going to hurt our future and economy if we declare independence right now.

I hope that Taiwan can focus on economically developing the country before worrying on useless things such as declaring independence right now which will obviously harm Taiwan's future and prosperity. if Taiwan can one day establish itself as an internationally recognised country (such as the countries mentioned before, Japan, South Korea, etc), THEN we can proudly declare independence.

Anonymous said...

sorry about an unfinished paragraph:
buying more weapons is also a stupid idea, as it is A) a huge waste of money (which will do NOTHING for the economy) and B) probably never going to be needed. Taiwan is NOT going to war in the near future, or ever. if it really comes down that Chen pisses China off to the extent where the word "war" is implied, the UN will definitely stop the war. (I'm not trusting the US here since Iraq happened.)
however even if we don't go to war, we will be under economical pressure of the world. China will have its demands and they are one of the major 5 in the UN, and eventually, Taiwan will be forced to make China's demands.

the more Taiwan seeks to declare independence now, the more harm it will do. rushing into these things will only piss of Beijing even more, and consequently make Taiwan have to DEFINE its existance/position.
remember once again that currently, we are NOT considered part of China.

it is therefore actually safer (for the future of independece) to keep the situation as it is.

Haitien said...

Regarding the weapons purchases (and the defese budget for that matter), I'd just like to address a major misperception that I keep seeing everywhere. The point of having a strong military is not so you can win a war, but so you won't have to. It is important to provide a credible deterrent against possible PRC aggression and serves to strengthen our position during any future negotiations. Yes, whether some of the procurement items are the right items to purchase is debatable, but to dismiss the importance of a credible deterrent is incredibly shortsighted. And it irritates me whenever this is dismissed by people on either side of the asile with "Chinese don't attack Chinese", "the US will defend us", or some voodoo about economics.

Anonymous said...

"buying more weapons is also stupid idea, as it is A) a huge waste of money (which will do NOTHING for the economy) and B) probably never going to be needed. Taiwan is NOT going to war in the near future, or ever. if it really comes down that Chen pisses China off to the extent where the word "war" is implied,"

War with China will only be possible if Taiwan's political system is useless, Taiwan's economy is weak, and Taiwan's military is soft! In fact, Taiwan is where CCP and KMT want Taiwan to be at, which is weaker than I think it should be at!

BTW, truely smart and able people can make money at anywhere from any other countries without depending on just one country such as China!!


"and yes, at the moment, Taiwan IS China's bitch. as is the US, actually. when Bush visited Beijing last time, he was asked to ask a list of things which he didn't even have the guts to do. he didn't mention anything about human rights, or trade equity, because let's face it, he had to kiss China's ass."

Did you see that Hu Jintao in US? That Chinese Falun Gong woman certainly gave him hell! Haha... I don't think Chen would want to trade place with Hu for that treatment!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbyPpH7ExMU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QSkbvtRNMY


This one is funny as well... see the irony...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_sRBw_SXd8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBiBiJ5rqoI

BTW, government paid and promoted commericals just really suck arses. Please Taiwan legislatures stick to REAL political reforms. Taiwanese businessmen (the good one) can make their own very well-done commericals for the correct audience!!


"and yes, India is a major growing economy in Asia, but they have NOTHING to do with Taiwan, and frankly, couldn't care less. China, on the other hand, is where 90% of the population of Taiwan has come from, and their culture, history and literature are still studied and deeply influencial in the Taiwanese community."

Making money IS everything to do with Formosa Taiwanese! We had always build around trade with the entire world ever since Taiwan's very existance!!

BTW, India gave China some of the best martial art system and religion, but confused idiots there turn it into something useless called, 'Con my stupid arse and beat the shit out of me fu'!!


"I hope that Taiwan can focus on economically developing the country before worrying on useless things such as declaring independence right now which will obviously harm Taiwan's future and prosperity. if Taiwan can one day establish itself as an internationally recognised country (such as the countries mentioned before, Japan, South Korea, etc), THEN we can proudly declare independence."

Don't worry we'll certainly have it all (healthy political system, top rate economic, and powerful military). Just worry about your beloved PRChina!!

Iron_Jackal_TW

Anonymous said...

well, Falun Gong is actually some completely invented bullshit, simlar to Scientology, except much more profound and unrelatable. again, the PRC government has been incredibly cruel to the religion, but keep in mind that they are completely mental. you don't hear Christians, Buddhists, or Muslims complaining about their rights in China, because they're not crazy. China neglects human rights, rapes their nation of money and power, we know this.

Communism in some sense is also a cult, (especially the Communist Party of China) it's not a secret, but at the moment, nobody can do anythin about it, since they probably murder all the people who try to voice their opinions (as in Xiamen last December). the only way to get rid of the evil communists is for the larger countries such as the US to give pressure to Beijing, however, Bush doesn't have the balls to do that.

finally, I don't think buying weapons from other countries will in any way provide a credible deterremt against China's aggression, nor will it strengthen our position in ANY future negotiations. first of all, Taiwan is in debt, and I know, you're going to tell me that most countries are in debt, but if you actually lived in Taiwan like I do, you'd know that there are far more important things in Taiwan itself to invest (and develop) on than military weapons.
secondly, China is so big/rich/etc that no amount of military weapons that Taiwan purchases could be of any threat to them. their own military force (head count) would probably tens and thousands of times more than us. Taiwan is not even 1/10 the size of a province in China. if it comes to war, it is obvious that Taiwan does NOT stand a chance.
I would also like to reiterate my point that China does not need to go to war with Taiwan, they could simply economically abandon (經濟封鎖) Taiwan. and I'm not talking economical voodoo here. they would give so much pressure to the UN and the rest of the world, that Taiwan would be forced to adhere to their demands.
this, obviously is harmful to Taiwan's current stance and any future hope of independence. in fact, it would kill Taiwan's chance of declaring independence as we will be forced to DEFINE our current situation. (again, back to the fact that Taiwan is currently NOT part of China.)


finally, as a Taiwanese myself, I find it extremely offensive that you accuse me to be one to address China as "beloved", since I have made it pretty clear that I really despise China and the Communist mafia.

I do not deny that my roots (and ancestors are Chinese), but I take pride in being Taiwanese, and I sincerely wish that Taiwan can evlove and become a leading "country" in the world some day. and I don't see the rush to "declare" independence as it will only harm our future chances of declaring independence successfully.
but clearly you don't agree with me, so I don't see the point of wasting my time arguing.

Anonymous said...

Hu Jintao is mistreated by crazy Falun cult woman on the street.

Chen Hsuibian is disrespected by the US government and Congress.

uh... the irony?

Anonymous said...

I myself would love to beat the shit out of Hu Jintao, but that does not change the fact that he's still got the whole communist party backing him up. I'll probably be captured and tortured to death if I actually beat him up. not that I can, but it's nice to imagine.

Anonymous said...

"Regarding the weapons purchases"

I'll answer to what Taiwan needs!!


Airforce:

Buy about 60 or more Mirage 2000-9 (Rafale's brain except the airframe and engines) fighters to bring our Mirage to about 120 (if French want our business that is)!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkFrbaJRAo0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6WfSy_VBqA

{Taiwan's next generation fighter}
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6WfSy_VBqA


Buy more AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for our F-16 (more the merrier)!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL414qLTtnA


Make our JDAM (US's own is more accurate though), JSOW, HARM, and others, of course. That way fun never runs out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onGBUPL_Sho


Purchase 12 P-3C Orion anti-submarine aircrafts (even Japan and South Korea have them for crying out loud)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCinaQQ7XNA


Navy:

Put in 8 more submarines (2 is simply not enough)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM-Crt9hwro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IptiJ5H1e_g


Add 4 AEGIS destroyers to our inventory, since China is getting their own as well (gotta keep that 'Status Quo' you know... hehe)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_15WeoveMvg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMfJTpjWMT4&search=westpac


Army:

Buy or make our own anti-air missiles (once again more the merrier for the fireworks)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e3Lew6O2q8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9G99tUeQW0


Get some of these kind of helicopter....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq5Pnup-cBE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Ev19NsDQ4


And pick one of these tanks (any one of them will out-gun what Taiwan have right now)....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umYyiYL-5J0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_dBNURf6o8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7DO4ZP7GKQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKE6Gcj7faI


Well, Taiwan's airforce IS one of the best in South East Asia (sorry South Korea and Japan you got the F-15... that's just too bad). I'm talking about with airforce to another airforce, but that's not how modern warfares are fought.

Submarines are very much needed. I highly support cruise missile ready submarines to take out China ballistic missiles that's aiming at us!!


Iron_Jackal_TW

Haitien said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

"finally, I don't think buying weapons from other countries will in any way provide a credible deterremt against China's aggression, nor will it strengthen our position in ANY future negotiations. first of all, Taiwan is in debt, and I know, you're going to tell me that most countries are in debt, but if you actually lived in Taiwan like I do, you'd know that there are far more important things in Taiwan itself to invest (and develop) on than military weapons."

Taiwan is rank 33 on this list (not in debt) unlike USA, which is number 1 in debt....

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/rankorder/2079rank.html

You are the one that's fucking in debt, so stop abusing your goddamn credit cards, loser!

What Taiwan got is falling behind South Korea's ability to bring in the money. This is what happen when the KMT majority and controlled government refused to reform our political system for efficiency and keep making those half assed commercials with Taiwan's tax money.

Taiwan's government needs to do the duty that it is assigned to do (reform the political system); instead of, getting into other people's business! Another word, stop fucking up the free market system with your half assed shit!!


"finally, as a Taiwanese myself, I find it extremely offensive that you accuse me to be one to address China as "beloved", since I have made it pretty clear that I really despise China and the Communist mafia."

People like you are why Taiwan is not pulling ahead like it suppose to do. Go back to your great PRChina. People like you don't deserved to live in a great country like Taiwan. Don't forget to take Ma with you (that guy will run Taiwan into the ground). Don't think I'm blind to that!!

Iron_Jackal_TW

Anonymous said...

god, you guys are all losers. Taiwan isn't even a fucking country for pete's sake. who cares. get a life.

Anonymous said...

"god, you guys are all losers. Taiwan isn't even a fucking country for pete's sake. who cares. get a life."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrn6qM9a8zA

Only Chinese are losers and bunch of fat stupid bitch, since they enjoy shit on themselves! Lol!!

Iron_Jackal_TW