The ruling party argues that it benefits Taiwanese conglomerates and, by extension, Taiwan's severely lagging economy. Opponents claim it will allow China to threaten Taiwan's democracy and small businesses by mass immigration and investment, the same way it has for Tibet.

Taiwan has a population of 23 million with a per capital income of $21,000*, while China has a population of 1,355 million with a per capita income of $9,800*.