Premier Jiang Yi-huah today called for a rational, peaceful and democratic response to the Cross-Strait Agreement on Trade in Services as university students continue their demonstration at the Legislative Yuan. Jiang lauded citizens for their concern for public affairs while emphasizing the pact is beneficial to the country and that its review process is not a "black box operation."
Refuting allegations that the accord has been handled behind closed doors, Jiang stressed that the Legislative Yuan has held a total of 16 public hearings on the agreement since it was signed in June 2013. In addition, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and other agencies have jointly organized over 100 forums to explain the pact to the public.
The pact includes a total of 80 specific commitments made by mainland China to Taiwan and only 64 by Taiwan to the mainland—many of which were in substance opened already. As for the degree of benefits, Taiwan will enjoy more favorable access to the mainland than other World Trade Organization (WTO) members, while mainland Chinese interests in Taiwan will be equal to or below WTO standards.
Regarding the more vulnerable industries—such as laundry, beauty salons and herbal medicine, which have been the subjects of frequent media coverage—the government has already held explanatory forums for each, and over the course of several months has gradually acquired their understanding and support.
Jiang stated that much of the criticism from certain media outlets, especially those describing the pact's signing as a "black box operation" or critiquing the agreement as harmful to Taiwan, are actually rumors, not fact. He commended the MOEA for having held many press conferences to clarify the situation for the public.
"The passage of the agreement is not only crucial to the country's future economic and trade competitiveness but also marks another important step toward liberalization and internationalization," the premier indicated. "On the whole, the pact does more good than harm for Taiwan and is beneficial for economic development. A responsible government must stand firm and promote this important economic policy even in the face of opposition to the agreement's signing and ratification."
As for the student-led occupation of the legislative chamber, Premier Jiang remarked that it is common for people in a free democracy to hold different views on public policies.
"There are people who will either support or oppose a policy, but we will always open our doors to the critics and engage in constructive dialogue. We hope people of all viewpoints can come to the table in a democratic and rational fashion."
The government applauds the public's attention to such public affairs, Jiang said, particularly the students inside the legislative compound who hold different opinions about the effects of the agreement and its legislative review process.
"We are pleased that these young people are so concerned about national affairs and willing to express their opinions. We admire their enthusiasm and hope that people will exchange their views in a mature, free and democratic manner," he said.
One of the reasons the government signed the agreement was to create more job opportunities and help young people start businesses in the future, increasing their employment as well as competitiveness, the premier emphasized. He enjoined the MOEA, MAC, Ministry of Education and Financial Supervisory Commission to be more proactive in explaining the accord to the public, finding more ways of communicating in easily comprehensible terms.
"The government must not only win the backing of ordinary citizens and businesses; it must also gain the support of students by helping them to a correct understanding," he said.
Jiang also appealed to those opposing the agreement to express their views through rational, peaceful and democratic means. He warned other political and civic groups not to take advantage of the situation to instigate further controversy for the sake of their own agendas, as it would only harm Taiwan's democracy.
Meanwhile, the premier instructed the MOEA to step up its publicity and communication on the agreement. According to current polls, over half of citizens back the accord, and the premier hopes for an even greater level of support.
The premier instructed the National Police Agency to handle the demonstrations at the Legislature as peacefully as possible, without escalating conflict or restricting the movements of any legislators, so that order may be restored swiftly. Interior Minister Chen Wei-zen was also asked to look after police officers assaulted or injured in the line of duty, and to encourage all officers to stick to their posts and perform their responsibilities carefully and with patience.
Premier Jiang urged all government agencies to continue with their work as planned and not to let their efforts be derailed by these developments. The government must persist in pushing forward policies that benefit citizens in order to lead the country toward a better future, he said.