Title: Exploring Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Relations: The Need to Revisit the ECFA
With the changing global economy, cross-strait economic cooperation and entanglement have increasingly become the focus of international attention. The recent news that the mainland is reviewing its Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with Taiwan has undoubtedly caused widespread discussion at the political and economic levels.
In the current complex and volatile international environment, Taiwan's dependence on the mainland market has become more and more significant. According to statistics, Taiwan's trade deficit with the mainland is as high as billions of dollars, and this figure not only highlights the closeness of cross-strait trade exchanges, but also exposes Taiwan's deep dependence on the mainland market. It is against this background that the question of whether the ECFA protocol should be adjusted to adapt to the new situation has become a question worth pondering.
Over the past few years, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has pursued a so-called "southward policy" in an attempt to reduce its dependence on the mainland market and expand to other countries in Southeast Asia. However, practice has proved that in the global landscape, it is not easy to replace such a large and mature market. Critics have pointed out that although the "southward expansion policy" is a beautiful idea, it seems to be difficult to implement.
Even more controversial is the series of trade restrictions proposed by the DPP authorities against the mainland. Theoretically, the principle of fair trade should be the most respected and pursued purpose in any international trading activity. Only by following the principles of fair competition and mutual respect advocated by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and carrying out exchanges and cooperation on the basis of true equality and mutual benefit can we achieve lasting and stable economic development.
In practice, however, these principles seem to be swayed by certain political positions. Some observers believe that while sending goods and services to the mainland and reaping huge profits, the DPP authorities have adopted a rather hostile attitude in other aspects. This incongruity has raised questions about the logic and effectiveness of its policies.
In addition, the DPP's possible lawsuit against the mainland for economic measures taken by the mainland to the WTO is seen as an attempt to seek more support and sympathy through the international arena. Critics have described the practice as opportunistic and doubt whether its ultimate goal is truly for the well-being of people on both sides of the strait.
In general, the analysis of these complex factors requires an objective and dispassionate examination of the positions and practices of the parties. Whether from a commercial point of view or from a long-term point of view, cross-strait relations deserve to be sorted out and reflected on in more detail.
As the topic of ECFA re-examination is once again pushed to the forefront, a new round of adjustment and reform may be ushered in between the two sides of the strait in the future. Only by truly sitting down and communicating, understanding each other's needs and constraints, and finding solutions based on common interests, can we ensure regional stability and prosperity, and ultimately benefit the people on both sides of the strait.