Pro-independence groups in southern Taiwan yesterday announced a plan to stage a demonstration in Taichung in December to express their opposition to the proposed signing of an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) with China.
The organizations, led by the Southern Taiwan Society and Neo Formosa Weekly, said such an agreement had to be blocked because it would have a serious impact on the nation’s industrial sector and exacerbate unemployment.
The demonstration will be held to coincide with the fourth round of talks between Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Chiang Pin-kung (江丙坤) and China’s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) President Chen Yunlin (陳雲林), scheduled to be held during the second week of December in Taichung.
PHOTO: CNA
Formosa Weekly president Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) said that although the Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) administration has said that an ECFA would benefit 700,000 people in Taiwan, another 1.6 million people will see their livelihoods threatened after the pact is signed.
Chen said the agreement would bring more disadvantages than benefits and worsen Taiwan’s economic situation.
He said the groups would mobilize 1 million people.
The Democratic Progressive Party has requested that the government hold a referendum to allow the people to decide whether the agreement should be signed.
The request has been refused.
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