Transcript: Interview of Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou in Washington Post

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, The Washington Post interviewed Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou in the Presidential Building in Taipei.

The Washington Post: Given the global downturn and the current financial crisis, how quickly will Taiwan see some of the benefits of closer economic ties with China, and given rising unemployment, do you feel any political pressure to move more slowly?

President Ma Ying-jeou: Actually, when we decided to inaugurate cross-strait direct flights beginning last July, the idea is to reduce the cost of firms doing business with mainland China. For instance, for ocean-going ships, they could save $5,000 to 10,000 just to get a stamp to show that they have anchored in a third place, and to reduce the travel time for around 5 million people who travel between Taiwan and the mainland. So that will be an immediate benefit. So by the time later this month when we have everyday charters, the savings will be much greater as a result. Read more