TAIPEI: Former president of Taiwan Ma Ying-jeou, who has met China’s president Xi Jinping twice in nine years, says Xi has grown “taller”.

Ma said he felt Xi had grown taller based on the photographs.

“When I first met him in Singapore (in 2015), we appeared to be similar in height. This time when I visited Beijing, he looked taller,” said Ma.

He met Xi again in April this year while leading a delegation of young Taiwanese to visit China from 1 to 11 April.

Ma recalled his meeting with Xi a pleasant one, as both shared the same view that China and Taiwan should work together and not confront each other, but this was easier said than done.

“The current government basically is going for the independence of Taiwan or twins of China. Hence, I feel that it will not be easy to reach a consensus with China.

“The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is aware that the international community will not support them and that they have limited capabilities.

“They will only tell everyone that we want democracy but not China.

“To me, the democracy that DPP wants is not so democratic per se.”

Ma does not think DPP is championing independence of Taiwan due to domestic needs.

“To develop and meet the needs of Taiwan, a party will not opt for an approach to go on a solo journey or become a separatist.

“Working together with China is always the key factor for Taiwan to survive.

“History has indicated this. A smart DPP leader should maintain peace with China. Both sides should be supporting and assisting each other.

“China will not compromise if Taiwan is to go for independence.

“Do not go overboard as China is not keen to wage a war with any of its neighbours or head to unfriendly development.

“Under such circumstances, it will be good for both to have development in an amicable manner,” he said.

On the potential clash, Ma said China wanted a peaceful reunification according to its principle, but it does not rule out force.

“From 1949 until now, not an actual war has taken place for more than 70 years. All battles are in Kinmen but not in Taiwan.

“Many do not know what a war is like. This is definitely not something we want to have,” he said.

Other articles in this series:

1. China, US do not want war in Taiwan Strait, says Ma Ying-jeou
2. Keen to visit Malaysia again, says former Taiwan president
3. Young Taiwanese encouraged to visit China to avert war
4. Both Taiwan and China should work together