Scholars at NCAFP's Forum on Asia-Pacific Security believe global economic recession more urgent

Taiwan News
Date: 2020/05/01
By: Kelvin Chen, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Experts from Taiwan, China, and the U.S. held a video conference last week to discuss cross-strait relations, which they largely believe should stay stable during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as the global economic recession is more urgent.

The National Council on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP) hosted its Forum on Asia-Pacific Security (FAPS), CNA reported Thursday (April 30). This included a video conference on April 20, inviting senior scholars from the three countries to discuss cross-strait relations during the coronavirus crisis.

According to the summary report released by NCAFP, participants largely believed both sides of the strait were waiting for the other to make concessions and regarded their actions as a deterrence. The report suggested that if the two sides strengthened dialogue on epidemic prevention and economic development, such as coordinating humanitarian charter flights and resuming academic exchanges, it could relieve cross-strait tensions.

An unnamed Taiwan scholar said Hong Kong ’s anti-extradition protests and the outbreak of the coronavirus had prompted Taiwan to maintain a “social distance” from China. This was consistent with the overall political and economic trends of the island nation.    [FULL  STORY]