Ma’s return-to-roots trip good for cross-Strait ties

The timing of former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou’s visit to the Chinese mainland, leading a group of Taiwan youths — from April 1-11, during the Qingming Festival holiday — adds to the significance of this visit.

Chinese people pay respects to their ancestors at the festival. It is like a shared tradition that binds the 23 million Taiwan compatriots with their 1.4 billion family members on the mainland.

That the 20 youths accompanying Ma will participate in a memorial ceremony for the Yellow Emperor in Shaanxi province best explains how they are undertaking this trip in search of their roots. They are expected to feel the warmth of their compatriots.

Even for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan, Ma’s visit is a positive step because it can serve to reduce crossStrait tensions, diluting the antagonism that the DPP has earned for itself. During her eight years in power, Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen ruined mutual trust across the Strait, bringing cross-Strait ties to a new low.

Reportedly, the DPP-controlled Taiwan authorities plan to stage offshore live-fire military drills in Kinmen Island and nearby areas. The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council has responded saying it will closely monitor any military movements in the region, and should the DPP act recklessly, provoke or create trouble, its designs will be defeated.

If it continues to go the wrong way, the DPP will only create bigger trouble for itself. Contrary to DPP’s gesture, Ma’s return-to-roots trip is expected to promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, enhance mutual understanding and emotional connection and promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, so that compatriots on both sides benefit and work jointly for national rejuvenation.