|
KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung Returns from Overseas Trip
|
 2009/03/12
Browse：2335
|
KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung Returns from Overseas Trip
March 12, 2009
KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung departed on a visit to the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore on Feb.23 and returned to Taipei on March 4. Chairman Wu engaged in party diplomacy, visiting overseas Chinese communities and Taiwanese business groups. During his trip, Chairman Wu also explained the government’s major policies since the KMT returned to power in 2008 and expressed gratitude to overseas Chinese communities for their support on behalf of President Ma Ying-jeou.
1. In the Philippines, Chairman Wu said that the KMT would work hard to improve cross-Strait relations, enhance interactions between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, and avoid causing any troubles to friendly states. Chairman Wu also delivered a speech at the KMT Chapter in Philippines, titled “Current Situation and Prospectives on Cross-Strait Relations”, to representatives of overseas Chinese communities and business groups.
2. In Malaysia, Chairman Wu visited the Taiwan University Club in Malaysia, the Association for Taiwanese Businessmen in Malaysia, and the Chinese Taipei School, Kuala Lumpur. Chairman Wu also visited the Malaysian Chinese Association, the largest Chinese political party in Malaysia, and the Malaysian Hakka Association.
3. During his visit to Singapore, Chairman Wu met with Lee Kuan Yew, Minister Mentor to the Singaporean Cabinet, and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, and exchanged views on the global financial crisis and the regional situation.
4. At President Ma Ying-jeou’s request, Chairman Wu sounded out the three countries about the possibility of Taiwan’s joining ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Plus 4 or signing Free Trade Agreements with ASEAN.
5. With respect to Taiwan’s joining ASEAN agreements, Chairman Wu, in the KMT Central Standing Committee held on March 11, said that from the viewpoints of the leaders of the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, it would be difficult for Taiwan to join ASEAN Plus 4 as Taiwan did not maintain formal diplomatic ties with ASEAN at present. However, leaders of the three countries all expressed approval and support for the current improvement of cross-Strait relations, Chairman Wu added. Chairman Wu also said that they suggested that both sides across the Taiwan Strait should sign an ECFA (Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement) and that in such a case it would be more likely for ASEAN to follow.
|
Attachment
: none
|
|