President reiterates `diplomatic truce' with China idea
ROC Central News Agency
Taipei, Aug. 28 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou reiterated Thursday his hope that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait can stop competing to lure each other's allies with offers of cash aid -- so-called "checkbook diplomacy."
Ma made the remarks at a meeting at the Presidential Office with John Perry, chairman of the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Society.
He pointed out that all European countries, except for the Vatican, have diplomatic relations with China, while the Holy See is Taiwan's only European ally.
Due to concern over the tension between Taiwan and China, European countries tend to be cautious about developing further relations with Taiwan, even though the country has set up economic and cultural offices in most European countries, Ma said.
He explained that under the notion of seeking a "diplomatic truce" with China, Taiwan will strive to strengthen relations with Ireland but will not seek full diplomatic ties.
This will give Ireland more space in developing relations with both Taiwan and China at the same time without the concern that would otherwise be caused, Ma said.
Ma told Perry that during a trip he made to Ireland two years ago, he learned that the country's rapid development was closely related to its pragmatic and flexible policies.
Ma said his efforts to cement relations with China since assuming office are aimed at seeking an end to the "vicious competition" in the diplomatic field, giving Taiwan more international space for development.
He expressed hope that Perry and other friends in Ireland will help introduce his idea of the "diplomatic truce" to more people when dealing with related issues. (By Ruth Wang) ENDITEM/J
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