News Release

News Release

KMT Culture and Communications Committee

February 25, 2009

At a reception in Manila yesterday, visiting KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung told those present that cross-Strait relations were moving in the right direction and that mutual goodwill was increasing steadily. He added that he believed that cross-Strait relations would continue to improve and that he was confident that the KMT’s cross-Strait policies would win the hearts and minds of the public as the policies come to be implemented. Wu also called on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to cherish the new opportunity by demonstrating goodwill and said that it was important for both sides to strengthen mutual goodwill by showing more patience and understanding of each other's situation.

Chairman Wu quoted remarks made by US Deputy Secretary of State Jim Steinberg and Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair in light of the improved cross-Strait relations in order to prove the optimistic viewpoint of the international community. Chairman Wu quoted Jim Steinberg as saying that the US was hopeful that the cross-Strait dialogue would create opportunities for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to resolve their differences, a very positive development. On the same day, Dennis Blair also said that the improving cross-Strait relations after President Ma Ying-jeou came into office was one of the most positive developments in recent years, Chairman Wu added. Chairman Wu said that he believed that some neighboring countries, such as the Philippines, shared the same point of view.

After Chairman Wu finishes his visit in the Philippines, he will depart for Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, in the next leg of his tour of Southeast Asia.

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