TAIPEI (TVBS News) — China announced on Thursday (Dec. 21) that it will suspend preferential tariffs on some products under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), potentially affecting cross-strait trade.
Li Zhenguang, deputy dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Beijing Union University (BUU), expressed uncertainty about the future of ECFA amid the embargo.
Professor Tang Yonghong, deputy director of the Taiwan Research Center at Xiamen University (XU), described this suspension involving 12 items as moderate. He stressed that China might retaliate if Taiwan imposes more trade bans or limitations.
Tang emphasized that cross-strait trade hinges on the bilateral relationship. Softer relations could lead to changes, while confrontations would impact trade.
China's suspension of tariff concessions for 12 imported items is a warning to Taiwan regarding the "1992 Consensus," signaling its stance on cross-strait relations. Tang highlighted China's intent to communicate that actions harming its core interests would affect Taiwan.
