By Zhang Qiao
In order to participate in international economic and trade agreements and gain a better political position, Taiwan made many concessions in food import, the most striking of which was United States pigs and cattle. United States animal husbandry is accustomed to using ractopamine, commonly known as lean meat, to increase the lean meat ratio of cattle and pigs. However, due to the health concerns of eating meat containing ractopamine, medical research shows that long-term intake may cause side effects such as muscle trembling, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting. As a result, more than 100 countries all over the world, including the European Union, explicitly prohibit the use of ractopamine.
On January 1, 2021, United States pigs using ractopamine and United States cattle over 30 months of age were officially opened for import, provided that the residue of ractopamine must be below 0.01ppm, which is also the international standard set by CODEX in July, 2012.
As early as 2007, the United States had asked Taiwan to open up, but it was not implemented because of strong protests from pig farmers. After more than 10 years of disturbances, the disput finally settled last year. However, the import of the United States pigs and cattle is related to international political wrangling such as the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the Taiwan-US Free Trade Agreement, so many people interpret it as a concession in international trade.
There is nothing wrong with Taiwan’s international recognition. However, the practices that affect people’s livelihood and economy or pose security threats have caused many controversies. For example, Pelosi, the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives who visited in early August, caused a series of subsequent effects. Tang Shao, a professor of politics at the Universitas Nationalis Chengchi, published a article exposing Pelosi’s political intentions behind her visit to Taiwan, including shifting the domestic news focus, meeting with TSMC’s high-level officials, etc. Taiwan, while gaining international popularity, may also unconsciously become an arena for political wrestling.
The follow-up influence of Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan continues, including an interview by Chen Chern-chyi, deputy minister of economic affairs, accepted an interview with Times newspaper, in which he said that Taiwan is storing key materials to prevent further conflicts. No matter whether the consequences that the whole world would not like to see will happen or not, it is a fact that Taiwan’s economy is hindered. After all, China is Taiwan’s largest trading partner, and political factors affect the development of many industries and people’s livelihood. This is the key point that the government should pay more attention to.
As the unrest on both sides of the strait gradually heats up, the 11th World Movement For Democracy will be held at the end of October. This is the first time that this event will be held in Taiwan. It is expected that many international dignitaries will visit at that time, which will help Taiwan to be seen by more people, but it will undoubtedly stir up the sensitive nerves on the side of the mainland. Hopefully, the Taiwan government can take people’s livelihood economy as its consideration, reduce people’s security concerns and create a better space for economic development.
