Reaction Article #6:China and Taiwan Expand Accords

Name: Wendy Cheng (49712053)
Date: 11/07/2008
From: The New York Times

My Reactions:
According to Edward Wong in “China and Taiwan Expand Accords,” China and Taiwan officials signed agreements which were about expanding charter flights, maritime shipping, direct mail service and cooperation on food safety issues. It will lead to a great impact on economy as well as relationship between Taiwan and China. Although there were some people such as DPP supporters strongly opposing the agreement, most people considered it as a turning point of economic recession in Taiwan lately. Chinese Communist Party official even sent Chen Yunlin, who is the head of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, to visit Taiwan. It was a tremendous improvement in link between Taiwan and China since 1949.

In my opinion, it is a good phenomenon that is mutually beneficial to nationals of both countries. For example, traveling industry will increase income due to expanding charter flights. Moreover, different information and cultures can flow across each other. As a result, people will learn varied knowledge and enhance cultural quality through the expansion. The most important is that some Taiwan agricultural products which China doesn’t plant can export into China. Therefore, the situation that countryside fades can advance again; young farmers will go back to village.

Despite Taiwan has totally diverse opinion of politics, we can still think about pros and cons of the agreements. As long as people forgive more, the relationship between Taiwan and China will get better and better. (237 words)