President Ma Ying-jeou says that the East China Sea Peace Initiative has been a success. Ma was speaking Wednesday with attendees of the East China Sea Peace Forum, which concluded Tuesday.
The East China Sea Peace Initiative is a five-point plan proposed by the government. It aims to reduce conflict and promote cooperation between countries bordering the East China Sea.
Ma said that the initiative has led to the resolution of disputes between Taiwan and its neighbors, Japan and the Philippines. He also said that the initiative has helped promote reconciliation with Mainland China. He said that under the initiative, both sides can focus on cooperation towards achieving mutually beneficial goals. At the same time, the two sides can avoid issues such as questions of sovereignty.
Ma said that while the East China Sea Peace Initiative is not a panacea to the region’s problems, it offers benefits to all parties involved. Ma cited the examples of Taiwan’s relationship with Japan and the Philippines. He also said the conclusion of fisheries agreements with the two countries has reduced tension and prevented conflict.