Strategic Concept of the Straits Economic Zone: Development Trend of Economic and Trade Relations between Both Sides of the Taiwan Strait

Author: Huang Shaofen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: Since the beginning of the 21st century, economic globalization and regional economic integration have developed rapidly. Participating in various forms of regional economic integration at all levels has become an inevitable choice for the economic development of countries and regions worldwide. After more than 20 years of reform and opening up, the characteristics of regional economic integration in China's coastal areas have become increasingly prominent, and three major economic zones—the Bohai Rim, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Pearl River Delta—have now formed, exerting significant influence both domestically and globally.
Taiwan, Fujian, southern Zhejiang, eastern Guangdong, and the central-eastern part of Jiangxi, located between the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta, have a population comparable to that of the Yangtze River Delta and an economic output exceeding it. These regions have the potential to form a new economic zone, serving as a new growth pole for China's southeastern coastal economy.
Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory. The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are descendants of the Yan and Huang tribes, bound by blood, shared cultural roots, geographical proximity, and strong economic complementarity. Since the 1980s, cross-strait economic and trade relations have developed rapidly, not only becoming a vital for Taiwan's economic growth but also playing a positive role in mainland China's economic development. The economy of Taiwan is an integral part of the Chinese nation's economy. Expanding cross-strait economic cooperation and exchange aligns with the common interests of people on both sides.
After the implementation of the "Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement" (CEPA) between mainland China and Hong Kong and Macau, the economic integration of the Taiwan Strait has become a focal point of global attention. In line with international economic trends, removing trade barriers between the two sides, promoting trade liberalization, and advancing cross-strait economic integration will play a significant role in further leveraging the geographical advantages of both sides, enhancing the effective integration of economic factors, creating a new landscape for cross-strait economic cooperation, boosting the overall economic strength of China's southeastern coastal regions, promoting coordinated regional economic development, strengthening the global anti-separatism and pro-unification forces, and advancing the great cause of national unification.
Fujian is located on the western side of the Taiwan Strait, while Taiwan is on the eastern side. The two regions share a close geographical connection, belonging to the subtropical monsoon climate zone with highly similar natural and ecological conditions. Fujian is the primary ancestral homeland of the Taiwanese people. Among Taiwan's population, 88% speak Minnan and Hakka dialects, forming the backbone of Taiwan's immigrant society. The people on both sides of the strait are closely related by blood, share common languages, and have similar customs and traditions, fostering a unique folk culture that serves as a natural bond and bridge for cross-strait economic integration.
Fujian holds a unique advantage in promoting cross-strait relations. The two sides differ and complement each other in terms of capital, resources, technology, talent, labor, markets, and management, creating opportunities for comparative economic benefits. The comparative advantages built on these differences and complementarities have become the driving force behind the development of cross-strait economic and trade relations. Additionally, the special policy advantages enjoyed by cross-strait economic cooperation have made Fujian a dense area for Taiwanese enterprises, a demonstration zone for cross-strait economic and trade cooperation, and a pioneer zone for cross-strait transportation.
In 2004, Fujian proposed the construction of a "Western Coast Economic Zone" that promotes opening up, coordinated development, and comprehensive prosperity, integrating economic development with the promotion of national unification. This approach aims to further strengthen the foundation for cross-strait economic and cultural exchanges by focusing on regional economic development, guiding regional cooperation and cross-strait exchanges with the concept of scientific development, expanding central cities to enhance their radiating effects, broadening perspectives to strengthen cross-strait economic cooperation, reinforcing cultural ties, boosting national cohesion, and fully leveraging the role of overseas Chinese resources in promoting national unification.
Currently, functional economic integration between the two sides has essentially taken shape and is irreversible. Long-term cross-strait economic cooperation will eventually form a new pattern with a common market, shared industrial bases, and a win-win cooperation framework.
Comrade Huang Shaofen has dedicated years to researching cross-strait economic and trade relations. The Strategic Concept of the Cross-Strait Economic Zone is a pioneering theoretical work. Based on Marx's theories of regional division of labor and economic integration, it draws on and incorporates beneficial elements from Western modern and contemporary theories of regional trade division of labor, regional spatial organization, and location theory. The book conducts an in-depth, comprehensive, and systematic study of the nature, development model, competitive advantages, industrial division, and cooperative mechanisms of the cross-strait economic zone. The viewpoints presented—such as Taiwan facing the risk of being "marginalized," the "mainlandization" of Taiwan's economy being a historical trend, the cross-strait economic zone being a regional economic cooperation under the same sovereignty, an economic integration between different customs zones in China, and the phased advancement from "normalizing trade" to "Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement" to the construction of a "common market"—reflect both the foresight and innovation of theoretical research and the guidance and practicality in addressing real-world issues.
The publication of this book will significantly promote in-depth discussions among scholars on the development of cross-strait economic and trade relations. It holds important economic and political significance for optimizing China's coastal regional economic layout, accelerating cross-strait economic and trade development, and promoting national unification through peace. I am confident that readers will gain rich knowledge and valuable insights from this book.
Luo Haocai (Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of the China Zong Gong Party)
September 9, 2005