China wants Asian NAFTA
Beijing is reportedly seriously considering setting up a free-trade zone between China, Hong Kong and Macau to enhance the economic relationship between them, according to China's chief trade negotiator, Long Yongtu.
Mr Long expressed misgivings about including Taiwan in the proposed free-trade zone, considering the political barriers. "It is quite difficult to discuss this issue with Taiwan, as they are even unwilling to commit to open direct links with the mainland."
Beijing has demanded Taiwan reopen "three links" across the Taiwan Strait, including postage, communication and commercial connections. Mr Long hoped Taiwan would open more economic links with the mainland following both sides' accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Mr Long admitted China would face difficulties implementing the WTO accord across the whole country and drew an analogy with former leader Mao Zedong's Long March during the Chinese civil war. "If China's WTO accession was a Long March then enforcement to some extent is another Long March," he said.
