Diplomatic truce not dual recognition: Ma

“I’m not trying to work out ‘dual recognition,’” Ma said, adding that a “diplomatic truce would be aimed at giving a clear direction” to Taiwan’s allies.

Due to the political differences and division between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, China refuses to allow countries to maintain diplomatic ties with both Taiwan and China.

He made the remarks during a reception with the media during his first state visit to South America and the Caribbean to attend the inaugurations of Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo Aug. 15 and Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez Aug. 16.

The frosty relations between Taiwan and China have been thawing since Ma took office May 20, with his proposal of a “diplomatic truce” aimed at terminating the longstanding diplomatic tug-of-war with China in which both countries try to lure each other’s allies to switch diplomatic allegiance by offering large sums of money in foreign aid to developing countries.

Ma also touted the strategy of “modus vivendi” of “pragmatic diplomacy,” aimed at leveraging more international space for Taiwan.

He also assured Taiwan’s allies that such a diplomatic strategy will not have a negative influence and that his administration will continue to strengthen relations with the country’s allies.

“There are a lot of people suffering in the world.

We have to help them, as that is our responsibility, rather than conducting checkbook diplomacy,” the president said, adding that as long as Taiwan’s foreign aid programs have “legitimate objectives, the granting procedures are in accordance with the law and the implementation is effective and efficient.”

Asked about his thoughts on his eight-day trip as it approached its end, Ma said that he was “deeply moved” to see both Lugo and Fernandez talk about anti-corruption and bring change to their countries, statements that he said sound like his own words.

“These leaders are very keen to do something and we would like to help,” Ma said. “Seeing their ambition, I also want to offer my sincere blessings to them,” he added.

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