Back on the campaign trail? Former Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou back in the spotlight with launch of namesake foundation
Ma takes swipe at incumbent’s policies at inauguration of organisation backed by Foxconn’s Terry Gou
Former Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou launched his foundation in a high-profile ceremony on Friday, the first step in what observers say might be a comeback for the 2020 presidential election.
The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, which officially opens its doors on Wednesday, will also provide a much-needed channel for Ma to communicate with Beijing to steer cross-strait ties towards less turbulent waters.
“The Republic of China [Taiwan’s official title] developed steadily in the [eight] years [of my presidency], but the current leader has deviated from this path and entered instead a stormy and risky waterway full of reefs,” Ma told more than 300 people, including three former vice-presidents and five ex-premiers during the inauguration ceremony in Taipei.
He said the financial difficulties faced by the general population and farmers was proof that the government of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen was headed in the wrong economic, energy and cross-strait direction.
“We hope to realign the direction of our nation to allow Taiwan to return to the right path,” he said.
Ma was referring to the mainland engagement policy he pursued during his time as president between 2008 and 2016, a period of relative calm between Beijing and Taipei.
Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward province subject eventual union, if necessary by force. Ma’s engagement policy was based on his support of the “1992 consensus”, a tacit understanding reached in Hong Kong in 1992 under which the two sides agreed there was only “one China”, though each could have its own interpretation of that China stood for.
Beijing sees the consensus as the basis of any talks with Taipei.