China tries to calm Taiwan fears over EFCA

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2010/03/15/2003468064

One of the major political debate in Taiwan this month is concerning the ECFA (economic corporation framework agreement), an economic pact under negotiation between the mainland and Taiwan, a "good deal" to promote cross-Strait economic cooperation and achieve mutual benefits. It is aimed at institutionalizing economic cooperation between the mainland and Taiwan and facilitating and regularizing economic and trade exchanges. President Ma Ying-jeou has said that signing the ECFA was "absolutely necessary" in order to avoid the marginalisation of the country.
However, in Taiwan, there are also voices against the agreement. First, negociating with China is not so easy considering the particular relationship between the two "brothers". The second reason is the impact of the agreement on the economy of Taiwan, especially on agriculture and small industries. The ECFA could flood Taiwan with cheap good and then threaten small industries. Even if China as sais that its agricultural goods will not be involved in the agreement and Taiwan government claimed he will give 95 billions of NT dollars, the fear remains. Thus , TSU (Taiwan solidarity union) has launched a referendum on the issue. The opposition need at least 86000 signators in order to launch the procedure, and they claim they can have 100000.
In conclusion, the debate on this agreement:
1- reflects relationship between Taiwan and China can improve, but are still complicated ( there is a strong opposition)
2- raise the question of the benefits of protectionism vs liberalism