Time:
2010 Aug 30 10:30 - 11:00

Language:
The speech and Q & A will be in English

Summary:
PRESS CONFERENCE
Johnny Chi-chen Chiang
Minister, Government Information Office,Executive Yuan, Taiwan

Description:
*The finishing time has been revised.

"What does the newly signed trade deal between Taiwan and China mean for Japan?"

Taiwan's parliament on Tuesday passed a landmark trade deal with China, removing the final hurdle to a historic accord and ushering in the first free-trade style agreement in Northern Asia. The agreement is also considered to be a catalyst for similar pacts with other countries - including Japan - with China's tacit consent.

Japan and other Asian countries have been closely monitoring the development of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) signed between these long-standing political foes and are weighing its potential impact on the region. Shortly after Taiwan signed the deal with China in late June, both Singapore and South Korea made their moves.

Singapore became the first of Taiwan's major trading partners to openly consider a trade agreement with Taiwan. And South Korea, a strong competitor in global trade with Taiwan, said it would start official FTA discussions with China in 2011.

Japan, Taiwan's second largest trading partner after China, has been carefully evaluating the impact of the ECFA and considering its own future strategies. Tokyo has said it would welcome closer economic relations with Taiwan, but it has also been cautious about the possible reaction from China.

Johnny Chi-chen Chiang, Minister of the Government Information Office, which is equivalent to Cabinet spokesman, will come to the FCCJ on August 30 to discuss the current situation between China and Taiwan and its implications for Japan. He is the most senior official to visit Tokyo since the ECFA was approved by Taiwan's parliament.

Born in 1972, Chiang has a doctoral degree in International Studies from the University of South Carolina and a Master's degree in Public and International affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. He took office on February 24, 2010. Before that, he served as Acting Director for the Department of International Affairs of the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER), a leading think-tank in Taiwan.

Members planning to attend this press conference are asked to reserve in advance, online (http://www.fccj.or.jp - please log in to reserve) or at the Front Desk (3211-3161), so that the staff can make appropriate
preparations. It's free of charge.

Professional Activities Committee