‘Dancing with Beijing’: ex-Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou in hot water back home
South China Morning PostMonday, June 16, 2025 at 11:52:43 AM
Former Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou is making waves—and not in a good way back home. He’s the first ex-leader to attend Beijing’s Straits Forum in Fujian, where China gave him the VIP treatment. But in Taiwan, pro-independence critics are furious, accusing him of cozying up to Beijing and weakening Taiwan’s political stance. The ruling DPP has long dismissed the forum as a propaganda tool, and Ma’s presence is fueling tensions.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one politician’s trip—it’s a flashpoint in the ongoing tug-of-war over Taiwan’s identity. Ma’s move plays into China’s narrative of unification, while critics see it as betrayal. With cross-strait relations already tense, his actions could harden divisions in Taiwan and provoke stronger reactions from both sides. For anyone watching the region, it’s another sign of how delicate—and explosive—this geopolitical dance remains.
— Curated via WP Now’s
