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Published Date: 2019-10-02
Bejing is unlikely
to end the cross-strait trade agreement unilaterally. That was the word from
Economics Minister Shen Jong-chin on Tuesday.
Shen was referring
to ECFA, or Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement. The trade agreement
between Beijing and Taipei took effect in 2010. It aims to promote cross-strait
trade by reducing tariffs and commercial barriers.
A lawmaker
recently quoted from an alleged evaluation report from the National Security
Bureau, saying Beijing could end the ECFA as a way to put pressure on Taiwan.
On Tuesday,
however, Shen said that if one side wants to make changes to the agreement, it
must make an official proposal half a year before changes kick in. Shen said
that Taipei has not received any notice on possible changes. He said Beijing is
unlikely to end the ECFA unilaterally, since this might harm the interests of
its own industries.