<P> Debate on opening "Three Links" with the People's Republic of China was also ongoing, with the security risk of economic dependence on mainland China being the biggest barrier . By decreasing transportation costs, it is hoped more money will be repatriated to Taiwan and that businesses will be able to keep operations centers in Taiwan while moving manufacturing and other facilities to mainland China . </P> <P> A law forbidding any firm investing in the People's Republic of China more than 40% of its total assets on the mainland was dropped in June 2008, when the new KMT government relaxed the rules to invest in Mainland China . Dialogue through semi-official organisations (the SEF and the ARATS) reopened on June 12, 2008 on the basis of the 1992 Consensus, with the first meeting held in Beijing . Taiwan hopes to become a major operations center in East Asia . In addition, many businesses and areas in Taiwan hope to make money from mainland Chinese tourists if and when the three links are negotiated . </P>

When did both south korea and taiwan begin to liberalize their economies