Cross-Strait relations tense over ECFA tariff changes

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Mainland Affairs Council on Thursday (April 26) warned that reduced tariff concessions under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) could harm businesses on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. MAC spokesperson Chan Chih-hung highlighted the mutual benefits of ECFA, noting Taiwanese components shipped to China are crucial for both local and international sales.

Chan criticized China’s frequent threats of trade sanctions on countries globally as unnecessary. He also commented on China’s efforts to attract Taiwanese youth with offers of rent-free housing and investments in entrepreneurial parks in Fujian province. Despite substantial investments, Chan argued these initiatives have not yielded significant results. He advocated for negotiation and consensus to foster bilateral cooperation and exchange of ideas.