Shutdown of cross-Straits framework 'a step back'

The shutdown of the team leading the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement in Taiwan has raised concerns about cross-Straits relations among the island's business community, the Chinese mainland Taiwan affairs spokesman said on Wednesday.

"The shutdown has attracted a lot of attention on the island, which echoes concerns about cross-Straits relations and the future among the business community in Taiwan," said An Fengshan, spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office.

The framework, signed in 2010, aims to promote cross-Straits economic cooperation by reducing tariffs and commercial barriers.