Recently a new trade agreement between China and Taiwan was signed that cuts tariffs on several trade items. The tariffs on 539 Taiwanese exports entering China and 267 Chinese products entering Taiwan will be significantly reduced or removed altogether. This agreement was created to increase the trade as well as relations between the two. The increase in trade and access to Chinese markets will also likely make Taiwan more integrated into the global economy.
This increase in trade however has some Taiwanese citizens a bit worried. The potential amount of trade now possible, could allow big businesses in China to dominate local businesses in Taiwan. The opposite is also true for big businesses in Taiwan who may choose to move their operations to China to increase their market. The job market may also be severely affected by the closing of factories due to the increase in cheaper Chinese goods. One Taiwanese citizen, Mr.Chen Pei-jan says:
"Once we sign the trade deal, the people without technical skills will have a harder time competing for jobs.
Food, clothes and other items from China will flood in and these segments of the economy will be taken over by China.
Middle-aged people in low-skilled jobs in particular will have a hard time."
All of these possibilities leave some worried for the continuing independence of Taiwan, arguing that too much reliance on China may lead to later political issues and Chinese control of the job market. Although China still considers Taiwan within it's territory, many Taiwanese citizens would like to see Taiwan become an independent country.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10434768
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10451574
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10434768
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10423409
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