Amid high hopes of improving Taiwan’s economy and relations with China, Ma of the Kuomintang (KMT) was sworn in Tuesday morning as the new president of the Republic of China, ending eight years of rule by Chen Shui-bian and his Democratic Progressive Party.

The foreign diplomats, who were at the inaugural celebration, welcomed Ma’s reiteration of the “three noes” — no unification, no independence and no use of force in the Taiwan Strait during his term in office — and his call for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to seize the opportunity to bring about a historical new era of cross-strait peace and prosperity.

“We would very much like to see a more cooperative relationship between Taiwan and China and very much hope China will respond in time,” said Michael Reilly, director-general of the British Trade and Cultural Office.

While calling for cross-strait reconciliation and the creation of a “win-win” situation for both Beijing and Taipei, Ma also said that Taiwan wants to maintain its dignity, a point that Reilly said he is totally supported.

“For there to be a better relationship between China and Taiwan, it will be much better and easier to reach a good understanding to achieve stability if both sides respect the other’s dignity,” he said.

The senior UK diplomat said he has high hopes for cross-strait relations, adding that “the signs are very encouraging.”

“There is going to be a party-to-party talk in the near future. This is another opportunity to take things forward. We look forward to the progress and hope it will lead to a positive response,” Reilly said.

Kuomintang Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung will embark on a trip to China May 26 at the invitation of China President and Chairman of the Communist Party of China Hu Jintao. His visit will mark the first contact between the leaders of the ruling parties on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait since 1949, when Taiwan split from mainland China after a civil war.

Guy Ledoux, director of the European Economic and Trade Office said Ma’s speech was very much in line with his election campaign platform.

As to Taiwan’s efforts to join international organizations such as the World Health Organization, Ledoux appeared positive about the new government’s chances, in light of Ma’s pledge to approach foreign policy with pragmatism and flexibility and to pursue a truce with China in the international arena.

Describing Ma’s speech as “very constructive, “ Raphael Gamzou, Israeli representative to Taiwan, said it will help to improve bilateral relations between China and Taiwan.

Ma’s speech was also well received by U.S. China experts like Harvard University law professor Jerome Cohen, who said he is positive about the outlook for cross-strait relations.

“I think they will take a turn for the better. This is a good answer to Hu Jintao,” he said. He was referring to Ma’s characterization of Hu’s comments on “building mutual trust, shelving controversies, finding commonalities despite differences, and creating together a win-win solution” across the Taiwan Strait, as very much in line with the new Taiwan government’s policy.

Former Deputy Spokesman of the U.S. State Department Alan Romberg also commended Ma’s address.

“It certainly looks like he stated all the things that will please people here and elsewhere — in the United States,” he said.

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