Pillars of Ma's cross-Straits policy

Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou will officially assume his office as Kuomintang (KMT) chairman at the 18th KMT congress on Oct 17, that is tomorrow. He emphasized in a speech on Oct 10 that he would make efforts to rebuild cross-Strait relations in the future. This cannot be done overnight considering the long-term gap and misgivings across the Taiwan Straits. To peacefully develop cross-Strait ties, both sides should be patient and face realities so as to strengthen mutual trust, seek common ground and overcome differences.

In his speech, Ma introduced the expression of "Chinese culture with Taiwan's characteristics", indicating an intention that Taiwan province might "peacefully compete" with the mainland in times of peace. The orientation of cross-Straits relations in the future deserves more attention.

After resuming the new position, as both the regional leader and chairman of the ruling KMT, Ma will be veritably the top leader of Taiwan. This is vital to the relationship between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and KMT as well as cross-Strait relations.