Apart from the division of labor, Taiwanese businessmen have also imported materials and techniques for information products from the advanced countries. Since last year, Taiwan has been the second largest importer of semi-conductor manufacturing equipment after the US, and the country purchased more than US$9.4 billion worth of semi-conductor manufacturing equipment, which was about one fifth of the total sales of semi-conductor manufacturing equipment worldwide.
Only by realizing that cross-strait business is a part of the global production chain can Taiwan confidently promote cross-strait business integration.
On the one hand, such integration will enhance Taiwan's competitiveness and will further promote the country's economic development.
On the other hand, the globalization of cross-strait business will create mutual interests between the international community and the two sides of the Taiwan Strait -- which will strengthen Taiwanese businessmen's leading position in the global economy and will effectively restrain Beijing from harming the stability and peace of the Taiwan Strait.
Tung Chen-yuan is a doctoral candidate at the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University.
Translated by Eddy Chang
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