President Ma Ying-jeou said Wednesday that Taiwan will stay alert to the potential threat posed by China to the country's security, despite recent positive developments in cross-Taiwan Strait ties. Taiwan will use its soft power to create a peaceful environment and prevent China from using force against Taiwan, Ma said during an address to a workshop for senior military officers held in Taoyuan County. He noted that the signing of the economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) with China in June has facilitated business operations and has helped enhance Taiwan's competitiveness. The ECFA is a vital step aimed at preventing Taiwan from being marginalized, normalizing cross-strait economic and trade ties and promoting Taiwan's internationalization, Ma said. The progress of these developments, however, will not cause Taiwan to relax its guard against China's military threat, he said. The president pledged that the government will follow the principles of equality, dignity and reciprocity in conducting negotiations with China, and will abide by the policy of 'no unification, no independence, no use of force' in promoting cross-strait relations. According to Ma, military strength alone is insufficient to protect Taiwan. Instead of engaging in an arms race with China, Taiwan should seek innovative means to deter a possible Chinese military invasion, he went on. In this sense, increasing cross-strait exchanges by opening Taiwan to Chinese tourists and students could be a viable method, Ma said. Meanwhile, the president praised the military for its efficient performance in the search and rescue operation for the travelers stranded on the Suhua Highway during Typhoon Megi. He said disaster prevention and rescue is a core mission of the military and that it should be on standby for all possible contingencies at all times. 