The impact of regional economic integration under the GATT/WTO regime toward the peace process: The case of conflict resolution between Taiwan and Mainland China.

摘要

The main idea of this dissertation is to analyze the possible range of expected a bilateral trade agreement toward economic integration between Taiwan and Mainland China as the first step of peace process. By doing this, this dissertation is devoted to the examination of the "regional economic integration under the GATT/WTO regime" and its impacts on the "peace process," especially in the circumstance of Taiwan Strait.; Although the mutual economic and trade transactions are closer than ever before, the political conflicts between Taiwan and Mainland China are too serious to nearly reach war. Taking into consideration the successful accession into the WTO of both parties, the Cross-Strait Relationship is better be conducted under a broader legal framework in the future. Although there is no official trade agreement between the two parties, actual trade and business transaction are increasing year by year. Here comes a critical question: "Is economic integration between the two parties really pushing toward the peace process?" Taiwan and Mainland China have the same interest of "economic interdependence" in one hand, but also have opposite "sovereignty identity" in the other hand. Thus, the positive trade expectation from both governments can reduce the tension and hostage and contribute to the prosperity and stability of the regional economy.; In order to analyze the complex political and economic paradox, this dissertation used interdisciplinary researches on international law, international economics, and international relations theory. In fact, Taiwan and Mainland China are both WTO members now, and the deeper economic integration under the GATT/WTO regime is the positive approach for both governments to promote closer economic relationship. This dissertation assumed that economic integration between Taiwan and Mainland China could be the first step of the peace process. To negotiate a possible legal framework of "free trade arrangement" or "common market agreement" examined under the GATT/WTO regime is the best way to avoid the sovereignty conflicts between the two sides. This dissertation would discuss the "substantial negotiation issues" in Cross-Strait economic integration process, and also addressed a new idea of "negotiation institutional system design" and "timetable of the procedure" in this legal framework. Finally, this dissertation would provide the recommendation for establishing the "Three Pillars" (Single Market, Justice & Democracy, and Common Foreign & Security) as the next step of the peace process in the future.