On Thursday, the Legislature’s Economic Committee reviewed a draft amendment to the Offshore Islands Development Act proposed by KMT lawmaker Chen Yu-jen (陳玉珍) and other legislators. The amendment proposes to establish Kinmen as a free trade zone.
Legislator Chen emphasized that the proposal to establish a free trade zone in Kinmen has received strong support from the Kinmen County Council, local government, and residents. She pointed out that Kinmen should be considered, as there are other free trade zones in Taiwan, such as Anping Port, Kaohsiung Port, Taipei Port, and Taoyuan Aerotropolis. She adds that the Kinmen Port already has dealings with China’s Xiamen Port and yet it is labeled as a domestic port, hence the need for legislative revision.
However, questions were raised about the benefits of such an amendment. Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) said that all interactions across the Taiwan Strait must comply with the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan and the Mainland. He reminded that the six free trade zones still fall under this law.
National Development Council Deputy Minister Peng Li-pei (彭立沛) also pointed out that cross-strait policy falls under the jurisdiction of the central government. He adds that exchanges with mainland China should align with Taiwan’s broader policy framework. DPP legislator Chiu Chih-wei (邱志偉) also voiced concerns that the amendment could potentially compromise Taiwan’s national security. He urged lawmakers to carefully consider the impact on Taiwan’s interests before proceeding.