Ma Ying-jeou’s “trust Xi” remark sparks KMT’s last-minute damage control ahead Saturday’s Presidential poll

TAIWAN: In a recent interview, the former President of Taiwan, Ma Ying-jeou, sparked controversy by asserting that, regarding cross-strait relations, Taiwan must place trust in the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping.

This statement unfolded during an interview with DW News, which aired on Wednesday (10th Jan), just three days before Taiwan’s Presidential Election poll.

The elections witnessed the opposition party, Kuomintang (KMT), striving to regain political control amid an intense contest with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Ma’s assertion has undoubtedly created a stir within the KMT, and its repercussions are expected to cast a negative shadow on the KMT’s presidential candidates, Hou Youyi and Zhao Shaokang.

As reported by Taiwanese media, the KMT finds itself in a frenzy of damage control efforts in the aftermath of the controversial remarks made by the former KMT Chairman.

The situation is aptly described by the local saying, “What to fear are not god-like opponents, but rather goose-like teammates” (不怕神對手，只怕豬隊友).

Mr Ma downplays “dictator” label for Xi Jinping

During the DW interview, when Tsou Tzung-han, DW Taipei Bureau Chief, asked Ma whether Xi Jinping is a dictator, as per Joe Biden’s characterization, Ma responded that the term is not particularly crucial in the context of cross-strait relations.

“Because we have to create a situation that we can deal with each other peacefully without having to use force. ”

“And that is probably more important than any other rhetoric you have,” Mr Ma told the journalist.

Mr Tsou then asked, “So you think  you can trust him (Xi Jinping)?”

Mr Ma replied, “As far as cross-strait relations, you have to.”

Mr Ma warns Taiwan would face defeat in direct conflict with Mainland China

In the interview, the former Taiwan president from 2008 to 2016 also warned that Taiwan would face a resounding defeat in a direct military conflict with China.

Ma characterized the idea that Taiwan should invest sufficiently in its military to withstand a Chinese attack until assistance from the United States or Japan arrives as “overly optimistic.”

“No  matter how much you defend yourself, you can never fight a war with the mainland.”

“They’re too large, much stronger than us,” he added.

Mr Ma asserted that Taiwan should employ non-military strategies to alleviate tensions with China, highlighting that this approach is favoured by people on both sides of the strait.

“If you’ve always believed in a strong defence, it’s all right. But in that situation [for Taiwan] it would be very dangerous to our people.”

When asked whether this perspective could be perceived as “defeatist,” Ma argued that deterrence is a formidable challenge, stressing that Taiwan “should not place all our faith in defence.”

“We have to use peaceful means,” Ma said.

Mr Ma has consistently advocated for avoiding conflict with Beijing, making it a key political rallying point for him.

His policies have been centred around improving relations with China. In the DW interview, Ma partly attributed the escalating cross-strait tensions to the DPP.

KMT Presidential hopeful Hou You-yi distances himself from Mr Ma’s view on China

According to Taiwan media reports, Mr Ma’s remarks triggered discussions across the political sphere.

When questioned about the matter, KMT Presidential hopeful Hou You-yi responded, “Ma Ying-jeou’s thoughts differ somewhat from mine. I have never harboured unrealistic thoughts about China’s intentions.”

Interestingly, Ma was allegedly removed from the gathering on the night before polling day, despite his name having been initially disclosed as one of the participants.

The KMT explained, stating that Ma was not invited to prevent the Democratic Progressive Party from seizing an opportunity to attack, as reported by Mirror Media.

Mr Ma countered this by stating that he was not invited.

Screenshots of previous announcements, however, show Ma listed as a confirmed attendee for the event.

Media analysts suggest that this move by the KMT might indicate an attempt at damage control in response to Ma’s comments, avoiding his appearance at the event to mitigate potential repercussions.

The DPP on Wednesday described Ma’s remark as a “departure from reality.”

DPP spokesperson Tai Wei-shan (戴瑋姍) called Ma’s remarks in an interview with Deutsche Well (DW) a “despicable” attempt to give foreign media a false impression of the public consensus on cross-strait relations in Taiwan.

Accusing the former president of having “no idea what era he lives in,” Tai said Ma’s views were a “departure from reality” that differed sharply from those held by the Taiwanese society.