Former Taiwan president Ma leaves for China, likely to meet Xi

Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou left today, on April 1, for an 11-day trip to China where he is expected to have his second meeting next week with Chinese President Xi Jinping, in light of rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Ma and the Chinese government have not confirmed the meeting with Xi, which has been widely reported in Taiwanese media. Three sources familiar with Ma’s trip told Reuters it was expected to take place in Beijing next Monday.

The former president, who served as president of Taiwan from 2008 to 2016, is scheduled to visit mainland China from April 1 to April 11, as announced by Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua.

“Ma Ying-jeou as the head of a delegation of Taiwanese youth will pay a visit to [the Chinese provinces of] Guangdong and Shaanxi, as well as Beijing and other places,” Chen was quoted as saying by the state-run China Central Television broadcaster.

The schedule involves taking part in various events, such as an ancestor worship ceremony, as reported by the broadcaster. However, there is no information available regarding whether the former Taiwanese leader will engage in any meetings with Chinese officials during this time.

“We welcome the visit of Mr. Ma Ying-jeou at the head of the delegation,” Chen added.

This visit to mainland China marks Ma Ying-jeou’s second meeting with the Chinese President following that of March 2023, reflecting a continuation of his diplomatic efforts to foster relations between Taiwan and mainland China.