The premier said on Tuesday that the second round of talks for a trade pact with China will likely begin next Monday in Taipei. The premier also said that we should see Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's recent remarks as a show of goodwill to Taiwan. Wen had said Sunday that China would "give benefits" to Taiwan in the trade pact, which will be called an Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA).

Vice President Vincent Siew also spoke about the ECFA Tuesday. He said that if talks went well, it could be signed soon. He outlined the benefits for Taiwan, saying, "Signing the ECFA is Taiwan's first step toward East Asian regional integration. After the ECFA has been signed, Taiwan will conduct talks and negotiations with any country that is willing to come to a bilateral free trade agreement with us. This will enable Taiwan to be fully merged into East Asia's regional production systems."

The Mainland Affairs Council also said Tuesday that it was not necessary for the legislature to set up a committee to oversee cross-strait talks.