The Ministry of Economic Affairs has drafted a temporary plan to allow imports of a greater number of Chinese products into Taiwan's outlying islands following the establishment of direct links between the islands and China. The draft accords with the requirements of the Legislative Yuan to complete its evaluation of the possibility of opening direct trade, mail and transport links between China and the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu by September.
The draft of the "small three links" policy proposes establishing direct links between China and Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu before they are established between China and Taiwan proper. This will yield great benefits in terms of the development of Taiwan's outlying islands. Review of the "small three links" policy, has led to the decision that its implementation will depend on the political will of China rather than on Taiwan's plans.
In March, 1992, Fujian Province proposed limited direct links between Xiamen and Kinmen, as well as Manigang and Matsu, and also proposed the construction of harbor facilities at Manigang, Xiamen and Meizhouwan for cross-strait shipping. China also proposed running an undersea cable from Xiamen to Kinmen and lifting visa requirements for Taiwan residents flying to Fuzhou or Xiamen.
China raised the proposal because of the great political resistance to the "three links," and hoped to realize a regional and popular version to reduce opposition to the full implementation of the policy. In January, 1994, China unilaterally passed the "Regulations on Small-Scale Trade with Taiwan," which it defined as, "non-official direct trade and economic exchanges that supplement indirect cross-strait trade." Under Taiwan law, however, such small-scale trade amounts to smuggling.
In June, 1994, the "Kinmen-Matsu Local Alliance" also proposed "three small links" between Kinmen, Matsu and China to the ROC government. They asked the government to research the feasibility of such links, or at least direct links for tourism, goods and mail. The proposal urged the government to open direct links unilaterally but gradually, restrict such links to a small number of areas, open sea links before air links, and allowing the exchange of goods before that of people.
It was under these circumstances that the "Offshore Island Development Act" was passed, to break the political stalemate over cross-strait links. In addition to "direct religious links" through Kinmen and Matsu, some people even advocated allowing goods to be shipped to China via Taiwan's outlying islands.
The hope for direct links, however, is dependent upon China's willingness to ease its demand that Taiwan accept the "one China" policy. After President Chen Shui-bian (
Even if Taiwan attempts to implement un-official and unilateral direct links, therefore, it will still face interference from the cross-strait political stalemate. Taiwan may push for the "small three links," but Fujian Province is now saying that Taiwan must accept the "one China" principle before the "small three links" can be implemented."
In sum, Taiwan and China must restart negotiations to address the political issues relating to the "three links." Both sides must work toward ending their long-standing opposition, and reach an agreement.
Tsai Horng-ming is executive secretary of the Chinese National Federation of Industries.
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