Taiwan must march westward to prosper

In late April, the leaders of the two biggest parties in Taiwan, Kuomintang (KMT) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), engaged in a crucial open debate on the proposed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. The debate drew the attention of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

The ECFA can be seen as a transitional agreement on way to a free trade zone across the Straits. If it is signed, the mainland and Taiwan would in 10 years reduce the Customs duty to zero on more than 90 percent of agricultural and industrial products. According to the agreement, Taiwan could continue to sign free trade agreements with foreign countries and thus keep expanding its exports and avoid being discriminated against in trade.

In Taiwan, however, there is concern that if the agreement is signed the island's economy may become excessively dependent on the mainland, which consequently would impact its internal politics.