No Wax Stamps and Bright Ribbons

I suppose one could have argued that the big trade agreement between China and Taiwan at least raised Taiwan's profile by being a pretty major treaty. Only states have treaties after all, even if one wonders about the impact of such a treaty. But apparently, the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA)   is no treaty at all, but one signed by non-state entities:

By refusing to clearly state the nature of the agreement and by relying on semi-official bodies to sign it, the Ma administration has created so much uncertainty that accusations the ECFA is a threat to Taiwan are increasingly hard to deny. What we need is clarity.

That's interesting. This alone is a big win for Chinese strategy--they got an agreement that they hope will bring Taiwan into China's orbit, as President Ma of Taiwan admits, yet don't have to suffer the problem of effectively recognizing Taiwan by signing a major trade agreement with Taiwan.

We shall see. I don't want to be unduly alarmed. Canada is still independent despite heavy trade with America. So higher trade doesn't automatically mean actual or effective control. But on the other hand, American doesn't want to conquer Canada, either.

I certainly don't have clarity on this issue.

UPDATE: Thanks to The View from Taiwan for the link.