Fact Check: This is Ma's first unscripted call for unification in four visits to China.

Fact Check: "This is Ma's first unscripted call for unification in four visits to China."

What We Know

Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou is currently on an 11-day trip to China, which began on April 1, 2024. This visit is significant as it comes amid heightened tensions between Taiwan and China, particularly with the incoming Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who is known for his pro-independence stance. During this trip, Ma has been reported to have made a notable unscripted call for "peaceful and democratic unification" between Taiwan and China, marking the first time he has explicitly expressed such views during his four visits to the mainland (AP News, New York Times, South China Morning Post).

Ma's previous visits to China included a historic meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, but those earlier trips did not feature unscripted calls for unification (New York Times). His current statements emphasize the need for unification to be achieved peacefully and democratically, respecting the will of the Taiwanese people (Focus Taiwan).

Analysis

The claim that this is Ma's first unscripted call for unification is partially true. While it is accurate that Ma has made an explicit call for unification during this visit, the context of his previous visits must be considered. During his earlier trips, Ma did not make unscripted calls for unification, but he did engage in discussions that hinted at closer ties with China. His 2015 meeting with Xi Jinping was a significant diplomatic event, but it did not involve direct calls for unification in the same manner as his recent statements (AP News, New York Times).

The reliability of the sources reporting on Ma's current visit is generally high, as they include established news organizations like the Associated Press and The New York Times, which have a track record of accurate reporting. However, it is essential to recognize potential biases. For instance, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has criticized Ma's visit and his calls for unification, suggesting that his views do not represent the majority opinion among Taiwanese citizens, who largely prefer maintaining the status quo or pursuing independence (New York Times, Focus Taiwan).

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "this is Ma's first unscripted call for unification in four visits to China" is Partially True. While it is correct that Ma has made an explicit unscripted call for unification on this trip, it is important to note that he has visited China multiple times before without making such statements. Thus, the claim lacks full context regarding his previous engagements and the broader political landscape in Taiwan.

Fact Check: This is Ma's first unscripted call for unification in four visits to China.