The head of the National Security Council, Tsai De-sheng, said on Monday that passing a controversial trade in services agreement with China will bring both risks and opportunities. But that there are ways to deal with that.
“The cross-strait trade in services agreement will bring both risks and opportunities," said Tsai. "But if we conduct a comprehensive risk assessment in advance, and implement strict management measures to minimize the risks and maximize the future benefits, then we will be able to gradually [open our markets], develop our economy and still ensure our national security."
Tsai said that according to a risk assessment put together by 41 government agencies in February, Taiwan has to open its markets to China in order for its economy to grow. But the report also points out that there will be national security challenges that come with the trade pact.
Tsai also said the council is planning to propose a national security review mechanism for all cross-strait agreements. The plan would include setting up risk indicators and a risk assessment checklist, holding workshops on security management, and strengthening the national security review process.