Beijing, China

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday (Apr 10) held talks with the pro-China former president of Taiwan in Beijing. The meeting comes ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new leader in the island state. Ma Ying-jeou, who remained president of Taiwan from 2008 to 2016, is on an 11-day tour across China. The meeting is highly significant as it’s the first time that a former president of Taiwan, which China sees as its own territory, has been hosted by China’s top leader. Previously, the two leaders met in Singapore in 2015.

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Xi opposes ‘Taiwan’s independence’

In his remarks during the meeting, Xi Jinping praised Ma for opposing ‘Taiwan’s independence’ and promoting “cross-strait exchanges and agreeing that both sides of the strait belong to one China.”

“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all Chinese people. There is no grudge that cannot be resolved, no issue that cannot be discussed and no force that can separate us,” Xi said. “External interference cannot stop the historic trend of the reunion of the family and the country,” he added.

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In response, Ma agreed that both people belonged to the Chinese nation, despite the other side of the strait developing under different conditions.

“If a war breaks out between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, it will be an unbearable burden for the Chinese nation,” Ma said. “I sincerely hope that both sides respect the values and way of life treasured by the people and maintain peace across the strait,” the ex-Taiwan leader added.

Anti-China sentiments in Taiwan

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Even as Xi Jinping doubles down on the idea of reunification with Taiwan, anti-China sentiments in the island state have risen significantly.

Also read: Stable, peaceful ties between India and China are important: PM Modi

Beijing’s threatening posture has turned more and more Taiwanese away and reinforced their belief in the democratic lifestyle.

Meanwhile, the Ma-Jinping summit in Beijing comes at a time when Washington DC is set to host leaders from Japan and the Philippines. Both nations have grown concerned about China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)