Focus Taiwan
Date: 2015/12/23
By: Tsai Yi-shu, Yang Shu-min and Elizabeth Hsu

Taipei, Dec. 23 (CNA) Taiwan should push for participation in the

James Soong (宋楚瑜, left)

regional economic integration in a pragmatic manner, using cross-strait detente as leverage, as neither Taiwan nor China can afford a conflict, People First Party presidential candidate James Soong (宋楚瑜) said Wednesday.

The cross-Taiwan Strait situation is the main obstacle to Taiwan’s participation in regional economic blocs and international organizations, Soong said at an economic forum held by seven major trade and industry groups in Taiwan.

“The two sides cannot afford a conflict,” he said. Since China has changed the way it handles cross-strait affairs, Taiwan should use the existing political rapprochement between the two sides in its bid to join the regional economic integration, Soong said.      [FULL  STORY]