Meeting after 70 years: Former President of Taiwan visits China
The former President of Taiwan will be the first current or former leader of the island to visit mainland China in over seventy years.
Ma Ying-jeou says his trip is planned to reduce tensions, and he intends to promote student exchanges and pay respects to his ancestors.
While no meetings with the Chinese government have been announced, Beijing has welcomed the visit. However, he faces criticism at home, with Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party stating that it is unacceptable for a retired head of state to become what it calls a pawn in Beijing’s plans for unification. China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province, but Taiwan views itself as distinct from mainland China, with its own constitution and democratically elected leaders.