President Ma also stated that in addition to purchasing defensive weapons from the US to maintain national security, the government has also actively improved cross-strait relations through non-military methods, promoting peace in the Taiwan Strait. As of today Taiwan and mainland China have signed 21 agreements, established direct links via sea and air, and increased cross-strait exchanges in terms of mainland Chinese tourists and students coming to Taiwan. There are now 840 flights between Taiwan and mainland China each week. In 2014 almost four million mainland tourists visited Taiwan, and the ministers in charge of cross-strait affairs from the two sides of the Strait held reciprocal visits, addressing each other using their official titles. Cross-strait relations are thus more stable than they have been at any other time in the 66 years since the two sides came under separate rule. This development has drawn praise from the US, which also feels that cross-strait stability has been a key factor in the continued smooth enhancement of Taiwan-US relations. This period has also marked the first time in history that the US could interact with both sides of the Taiwan Strait at the same time while maintaining friendly relations. "This has made a significant contribution to cross-strait and East Asian peace," the president said.
【Source: Office of the President】