President Chen Shui-bian (
The conclusion emphasized that in order to protect Taiwan's economy the country cannot blindly pursue investment in China while ignoring the basic and important need for effective management and control of such investment. The relevant government departments were asked to re-examine current trade and economic policy toward China.
At the same time, Chen issued an official statement on the recent phenomenon of visits to China by opposition parties. Chen indicated that no political party, group or individual has the right to represent the Taiwanese people in signing any agreement with foreign governments without proper authorization, and that the relevant government units should deal with such conduct in accordance with the law.
Afterward, Premier Frank Hsieh (
At the same time, Minister of Justice Morley Shih (
According to Shih, the prosecutor's office has already begun an investigation of the case. In light of this, the government of Taiwan -- after Beijing enacted the Anti-Secession Law and after Chiang's trip triggered "China fever" among the political parties -- has apparently been thrown into crisis over a perceived threat to Taiwan's survival. They have begun to take strong measures to powerfully reverse and counter this alarming political trend.
The government finally got on its feet and started to gain traction. It's finally willing to face up to the fatal flaws in its cross-strait trade and economic policy of "actively opening up and effective management" for the past five years. For this, it deserves encouragement.
The Taiwan government has repeatedly taken a tough stance against China's campaign to put the screws to Taipei through the private sector. However, the pace at which the government has adjusted its cross-strait economic policies has lagged, showing wishy-washiness and a lack of determination.
For example, some government officials continue to say that while management of cross-strait policies needs to be reinforced, Taiwan will not return to the days of the "no haste, be patient" policy. Evidently, some officials still do not realize the serious injuries inflicted on Taiwan by businesses' investments in China and the westward exodus of Taiwanese industries. All their current effort to re-examine current policies and reinforce control and management were only compelled by the strong popular backlash to China's Anti-Secession Law. Therefore, while the government's seven-point conclusion on cross-strait economic policies came just in time, there is room for improvement.
The government must work harder, and some officials must have a more sincere and accurate view of the situation. This is the only way to effectively save Taiwan from the current threat to its existence.
Over the years, the government has adopted an illusory policy of "actively opening up" cross-strait trade and investment. It lacked the determination to strictly impose control on such investments, making a mockery of the so-called policy of "effective management." It allowed valuable business resources to embark on a one-way trip to China.
Businesses and politicians long ago realized the incompetence of the government. Case in point: When it was first revealed that United Microelectronics Corp (UMC,
Without question, some politicians and businesspeople have no respect for the government. They are calm, because they know that the government does not dare to enforce the law. During the meeting of the KMT's Central Standing Committee on Wednesday, KMT Chairman Lien Chan (
It's clearly wrong for the members of the opposition and the business sector to behave this way. But the root of the problem is the government's mistaken emphasis on the "active opening up" part of its policy, with only lip service paid to the equally crucial "effective management."
The government should not flinch when confronting possibly illegal activity. When prosecutors and the police showed determination to follow through with the investigation of UMC despite overwhelming pressure, Tsao's statement in a second newspaper ad was less arrogant and angry. Instead, he went on the defensive, laying out excuses and justifications for his conduct.
According to Article 113 of the Criminal Code, anyone who enters into unauthorized agreements with a foreign government on matters that require government approval may receive a minimum seven year jail term or a maximum life sentence. Legal academics and professionals believe the "foreign government" referred to is any government other than that of the Republic of China.
The agreements covered by the law can be either verbal or written. Therefore, while the KMT may try to justify Chiang's 10-point agreement with Beijing, prosecutors have every reason to investigate whether Chiang broke the law. Once authorities demonstrate a determination to uphold the law, the race between political parties to suck up to China will surely stop.
In the uproar sparked by the Anti-Secession Law, the government has finally come to realize that its active opening policy is leading the nation into ruin. The policy direction underlying the government's seven-point conclusion is in line with the consistent stance of this newspaper toward cross-strait relations. The point on implementing effective and strict control and management of cross-strait trade and investment has been the focus of constant reminders from this newspaper.
While it is encouraging to see the government's apparent change of heart on this issue, it will take time to observe whether the government will live up to its words.
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