The Kuomintang, the main opposition group in Taiwan's parliament, on Sunday announced it would begin collecting signatures to carry out a plebiscite to fend off the loosening of prohibitions on U.S. pork imports.
The crusade for a referendum by the Nationalist Party comes against a backdrop of increasing optimism for an unresolved free-trade accord with Washington, which is Taiwan's most important backer on the global stage, but Washington has expressed dissatisfaction on hindrances to access for its beef and pork products.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Aug. 28 that the government would loosen its policies on American pork imports that contain ractopamine - a chemical that improves the meat's leanness - and meat from cattle 30 months or older. According to Tsai, the move is based on national economic interests and aligned with Taiwan's "overall strategic goals for the future."
KMT Chairman Johnny Chiang said that at least 200,000 signatures are required for the approval of the proposed public vote, which is expected to start next week. "We will show the will of the people through concrete action," Chiang stressed, referring to the opposition party's move to gather the signatures.
Plebiscites can only be conducted every two years, with the next likely date being August 28, 2021, based on Taiwan's Referendum Act.
The Nationalist Party's plan of action was sparked by the regional officials' recent declaration that it would scrap the ban on U.S. pork imports containing the additive starting in 2021.
Taiwan's opposition bloc has repeatedly asserted their stance against U.S. pork imports, citing food safety and other health concerns. The island state, mired in multiple health controversies during the past year, claims that ractopamine has been outlawed in international markets like Europe.
The loosening of import bans is part of Tsai's bid to strengthen Taiwan's relations with Washington, particularly during a period of animosity with China. But the Kuomintang said the decision could imperil the livelihood of the country's swine breeders. At present, the Taiwan government only permits the import of American pork, beef and pork products if they are ractopamine-free.
