TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan criticized Ko Wen-je for endorsing the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA) during a press interview on Wednesday (June 21), emphasizing the lack of societal consensus on the issue.
Ko Wen-je, chairman of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), has advocated for the resumption of negotiations on cross-strait trade in goods and services. Ko criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its failure to pass supervisory regulations despite being in power for over seven years.
Cheng highlighted that Ko's proposal to restart the services trade agreement does not align with mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, as there is currently no societal consensus on reopening the CSSTA.
Cheng expressed concerns that the CSSTA would fundamentally transform Taiwan's economic structure, criticizing Ko for inadequate research on the matter. Cheng stressed the importance for presidential candidates to approach the issue cautiously, emphasizing that the nature of CSSTA cannot be simplified.
On Tuesday (June 20), the General Administration of Customs of China announced the immediate resumption of importing Taiwan-grown custard apples from Taiwan. This decision came after KMT Vice Chairman Hsia Li-yen and Taitung County Magistrate Jao Ching-ling expressed their hopes for cross-strait agricultural trade on several occasions.
Cheng noted that China has only allowed imports of custard apples from specific manufacturers and designated cities, which deviates from regular agricultural trade practices. He emphasized the importance of transparent and fair mechanisms in trade, expressing hope for regular cross-strait economic and trade exchanges that benefit both sides.
Cheng also highlighted the significant decrease in the proportion of Taiwanese agricultural products exported to China, indicating the effectiveness of Taiwan's efforts to diversify export markets.