Framing the "One China market"

The "One China Market" was a hot topic during the presidential campaign. The idea was originally proposed by the Nationalist vice presidential candidate, Vincent Siew. He made the "cross-strait common market" analogous to the European Union, which is economically beneficial to its member countries.


The same issue was framed by the DPP camp as "invasion of labors from China and the possible influx of low-quality merchandises." This frame was expected to solicit the votes of farmers or industry workers, whose life would be most affected by this policy.


The "black-hearted or adulterated products" frame didn't end up working very well, as public opinion polls failed to show significant changes longitudinally. The ineffective framing might be attributable to its inability to resonate with the general "mass" who weigh "economic prosperity" more heavily than " invasion of labors and bad products." In other words, the stagnant economy under the DPP regime has triggered people's stronger aspire for a healthier and better-off market, although people might also be worried about the downside associated with it.

This example suggests that frames are closely related to people's past experiences, beliefs, expectations, and so on. The frame that echoes better in people's minds usually "wins" the battle.

Another factor that may influence the inequality of the two frames might be "trust." The DPP government apparently has lost people's trust during the past 8 years. On the other hand, Ma ying-jeou has assumed a lot of expectation to turn the situation around. The confidence of people in Ma, therefore, drew them away from the "invasion" frame.

For more coverage and framing of this issue, please see

Taitung farmers, workers oppose 'one China market'

Presidential election 2008: 16 days to go: Siew defends term `one China market'