DPP wants cross-strait WTO economic pact

Tsai said that the DPP isn't opposed to build normal economic and trade ties with China under the framework of the WTO, but Taiwan should establish a solid foundation in regional network lest it should be put at the whims of China.

The cross-straits ties should be weighed on the Asian or Asia-Pacific regional network involving other countries, not just the ties between Taiwan and China.

Although the proposed ECFA is focused on economic and trade ties between Taiwan and China, it will result in ups and downs in security, strategy and political power of both sides and Taiwan will be placed in a disadvantageous position in this regard.

In the Asian or Asia-Pacific regional network, Taiwan should build a solid security foundation by achieving a balance in regional politics, especially cementing ties with the U.S. and Japan, according to Tsai. In this regard, she said, President Ma Ying-jeou and his administration should step up improving ties with Japan while continuing to maintain good relationships with the U.S.

Ma's administration insists that Taiwan can prosper itself through its cooperation with China, but the DPP asserts that Taiwan should keep enhancing its international competitiveness if it is to catch up with the latest globalization trend, Tsai said.

Both sides differ greatly in economic scale and pay level, and Taiwan is in no position to show its generosity to China, because of its relatively smaller economic size. Even if Taiwan is to expand its wealth, the expansion should be carried out step by step, instead of making a big, rapid stride by signing the ECFA with China, Tsai noted.

The DPP head continued that the ECFA is likely to affect the re-distribution of social wealth, with farmers, workers and salaried people to bear the brunt of the impact of the ECFA if signed.

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