Taiwan's Economics Minister Lee Chih-kung said on Wednesday that Taiwan has not set any schedule for re-starting trade talks with China. He revealed that the Taiwanese government wants to first pass its controversial 'supervisory bill' before resuming the negotiations.

The supervisory bill makes it mandatory for all government officials to get legislative permission before, during, and after any talks with Beijing. This means that officials cannot sign any agreement with Beijing before all three stages of legislative approval are completed.         

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"The cross-Strait supervisory bill is still in parliament. Trade talks need the oversight, so to hold trade talks would be of no use," Lee said.

Beijing has already condemned the 'supervisory bill' as it indirectly challenges the 'One China' principle. Analysts in Taiwan have been equally critical of the bill, saying that it could affect trade relations with China.

Passing the controversial supervisory law is seen as an assertion of newly-elected President Tsai Ing-wen's "pro-independence" stance. Tsai and her party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), achieved a landslide victory in Taiwan's presidential election earlier this year.

Staying true to her pro-independence views, Tsai conspicuously omitted the mention of "One China" principle in her inaugural speech on Friday. Tsai urged China to "set aside the baggage of history and engage in positive dialogue" in her first speech as Taiwan's leader.

Following President Tsai's inaugural speech, Beijing was quick to issue a reminder that the "One China" principle will continue to be the main cornerstone of the relationship between two countries.

The "One China" principle essentially states that China and Taiwan are part of one China.

TagsTaiwan, China and Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan President, One China principle