TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) gave a speech in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday (Aug. 4) where he criticized the Lai administration and called for renewed efforts at cross-strait diplomacy. 

Ma was invited to speak at the 27th “Zhongshan Lecture” series at the Chinese Association of Thailand, where he shared his views on the current cross-strait relationship, reported UDN. During his remarks, he criticized President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) for abandoning the “one China, with different interpretations” position and adopting a “new theory of two nations.”

Ma called on the current government to reconsider its position and return to the “one China principle” and previously established agreements and policies governing cross-strait relations. Ma also said that to maintain regional peace and prosperity, countries like the U.S. and other friends of Taiwan should increase efforts to promote dialogue between Taipei and Beijing.

Ma told the audience that in his April meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平) in Beijing, war in the Taiwan Strait would cause unbearable suffering for people on both sides of the strait. He also claimed that Xi is modest and full of goodwill for the Taiwanese people, willing to negotiate in sincerity, so long as Taiwan accepts Beijing’s assertion that it is part of China.  

Ma said it was a pity that Lai would not accept such a concept. He said that he felt sad, disgusted, and worried by the way the current administration displays a “contemptuous attitude” towards Chinese culture. 

When asked if he thinks there will be war in the future, Ma said that despite his worries, the chance remains low. He called on both Taipei and Beijing to focus energy on rebuilding mutual trust to safeguard peace in the region. 

This visit to Thailand is Ma’s second visit to the country. His previous visit was in 1996, over 28 years ago, per UDN.