President-elect Ma calls for ‘diplomatic truce’ with China

Ma, who will be inaugurated on May 20,

also said that Taipei will stop using "dollar diplomacy" to win recognition from foreign countries as the practice can easily tarnish Taiwan's image.

Ma's call, made in a speech before the annual session of the Republic of China (ROC) Association of International Relations, came at a time when the pitched diplomatic battle for allies between China and Taiwan has been highlighted by a checkbook diplomacy fraud case in which Taiwan tried to secure Papua New Guinea (PNG) as an ally.

Referring directly to the scandal that has disgraced the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he denounced "money diplomacy," saying he was very distressed that notwithstanding its remarkable achievements in every area.

The incoming president said that the nation can learn from Singapore's fundamental "CORE" values (connectivity, openness, reliability, and entrepreneurship) to expand its push for international space.

"It is important to find a flexible method that also maintains Taiwan's dignity to help the nation return to the international community," Ma said, while pushing for a diplomatic truce.

"We will negotiate with China over Taiwan's international space," Ma emphasized, saying that only when Taiwan cooperates well with the international community will the interests of all of Taiwan's 23 million people be safeguarded.

As part of this new era of openness, pragmatism, and negotiation, Ma said his administration will also soon open wide-ranging negotiations with China on economic cooperation, including the launch of direct flights and attracting more Chinese tourists to Taiwan.

"Taiwan will have a very different international presence if its diplomacy can be associated with cross-strait (policies)," noted Ma. "Taiwan has the wisdom, vitality, and determination to create a healthier international environment for the country."

While commenting on Taiwan's recent diplomatic blunder in which US$29.8 million aimed to get PNG to drop China and recognize Taiwan was embezzled by two middle men, Ma said the scandal was widely reported by foreign media and has hurt Taiwan's international image.

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