The Study of The Development of Cross-Strait Economic Relations (1979-2001)- From the Viewpoint of Integration Theory

• Main Authors: Sheng-ren Liu, 劉生仁
• Other Authors: Te-sheng Chen
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2002
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/46907067848381299773

碩士 === 中國文化大學 === 中國大陸研究所 === 90 === This thesis attempts to perform a dialogue between integration theory and its practice by examining the development of cross-Strait economic relations (1979-2001) with institutional and historical approaches, supplemented with literature analysis and interview. Economic and trade relations play an important role in advancing both civil interaction and official reconciliation. From governmental perspective, the nature of confrontation across the Taiwan Strait has changed fundamentally from that of military conflict to that of economic attraction and manipulation. Both Mainland and Taiwan have acceded to WTO, indicating both will have to subject to an international economic regime characterized by globalization, regionalization, and merging. Integration theories show that: 1). European integration’s background differs from that of cross-Strait relations. Also, European governments dominate the integration process, whereas cross-Strait interaction is largely led by spontaneous civilian sectors. 2). Functionalism is not sufficient in explaining divided nations’ experience. 3). Mainland China is pursuing its Taiwan policy following the logic of functionalism. 4). “Neo-functionalism” is a model that can better explain the development of cross-Strait relations. This thesis discovers that: 1). There is a qualitative change after a series of quantitative accumulation in cross-strait economic interaction. 2). Cross-strait economic interaction has its own momentum. Governments’ deliberate policies of integration have little effect. 3). Accession to WTO that introduces a larger context of globalization is an opportunity to further cross-Strait integration. 4). Gradual economic integration brings mutual benefit to both sides. “Cross-Strait common market“ and its implementation seem to be a better model for future integration. Functional civil exchange expands regardless of the political deadlock. PRC’s tactics to use economic means to achieve political ends were not effective in the past. Yet since Taiwan’s presidential election in 2000, this tactics has become more effective. In terms of the institutional integration in the future, political factors will be primary variable. Such integration will also be hampered by the difference between economic institutions of both sides. Regardless of these difficulties, both sides can still use WTO as a forum for dialogue. Cross-Strait integration will be promising only if those less politically sensitive issues are addressed through authorized civilian channels, whereas the benefit of economic integration is appreciated and ideological contradiction is resolved.