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Siew's 'cross-strait common market' slammed by Hsieh

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) yesterday said he was opposed to the "cross-strait common market" that has been proposed by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), adding it would lead to unification with China.

Hsieh said a government study had shown that the plan would deal a significant blow to local industries.

"The `cross-strait common market' is a `one China market,'" Hsieh said. "It will only drive up unemployment and lead to lower salaries."

Hsieh, who doubles as DPP chairman, made the remarks after listening to a report delivered by Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Chen Ming-tong (陳明通) at the party's Central Standing Committee meeting yesterday afternoon in Taipei.

Tuan Yi-kang (段宜康), DPP deputy secretary-general, who doubles as a spokesman for Hsieh's campaign, told reporters after the committee meeting that if the "cross-strait common market" were implemented the nation's jobless rate would jump to more than 10 percent and average monthly salaries would decrease by NT$1,000.

Under the scheme, the flow of capital and labor across the Taiwan Strait would be freer, making it more difficult for local laborers to find a job. Traditional industries would be especially hurt and the gap between rich and poor would increase, he said.

"The `cross-strait common market' would be a disaster for Taiwan," Tuan said. "Politically, Taiwan would be forced into a de facto unification with China and then de jure unification."

Tuan said KMT vice presidential candidate Vincent Siew (蕭萬長) was the architect of the "one China market" concept.

Siew, however, denies that he ever said the "cross-strait common market" was a "one China market," and criticized Hsieh for "twisting" his words.

Tuan said that if Siew does not have the guts to claim responsibility for his own idea then he and Ma cannot be expected to stand up for the Taiwanese in the face of pressure from Beijing, should they be elected to lead the nation.

Tuan said that Siew published an article in a magazine in August 2005 saying the "cross-strait common market" is the "one China market." He made similar remarks when he delivered a speech at Tamkang University in December 2005, Tuan said.
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