In the News

Asia expert claims Beijing will allow FTAs

• Publication Date：07/29/2010
• Source： United Daily News

Beijing will not obstruct Taipei’s efforts to ink free trade agreements with other economies, a leading U.S. expert on East Asia said July 27.

Beijing will allow Taiwan to pursue FTAs on the condition there is no “simultaneous push for international space” that undermines its interests, said Charles Freeman, an academic at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Freeman made the remarks during a symposium on “Taiwan-China Economic Relations: ECFA and Beyond” organized by George Washington University’s Sigur Center for Asian Studies.

When referring to third parties with whom Taiwan might sign FTAs, Freeman explained that the mainland authorities use the term “economic entities,” and not “countries,” reflecting Beijing’s position on the Taiwan sovereignty issue.

During the forum, an audience member mentioned that many Taiwan citizens are concerned that further economic integration with the mainland might increase Beijing’s influence over the island.

In response, Freeman said while there were political motivations behind Beijing’s decision to ink the Cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with Taiwan, both sides “could sleep in the same bed and have different dreams.”

He added that Beijing was motivated by political considerations in making economic concessions to Taiwan, claiming that this was driven by a desire to prevent any moves toward de jure independence on the island.

Asked by a forum participant whether the ECFA would gradually destroy Taiwan’s identity, Freeman said Taiwan’s prospects and political assets were sufficient to allow the island to continue standing without wavering.

The former assistant U.S. trade representative for China affairs also said that the U.S., motivated by a desire to maintain peace and security in the Asian region, has long hoped for greater economic integration between Taiwan and the mainland.

“The signing of the ECFA will be good for Taiwan economically and beneficial in reducing tensions between Taipei and Washington,” Freeman said. (SB-JSM)