- Taiwan condemns China’s proposed economic countermeasures for trade restrictions.
- China’s Ministry of Commerce claims Taiwan’s trade barriers affect over 2,000 products.
- Taiwan urges WTO negotiations and rejects China’s political demands linked to the dispute.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has accused China of using economic pressure as a political tool, responding to threats from Beijing regarding Taiwan’s trade restrictions.
The trade tensions highlight the ongoing political rift between Taiwan and China. Beijing views the restrictions as a reflection of Taiwan’s refusal to accept the “1992 consensus,” a framework that Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rejects.
Cross-Strait Economic Tensions Intensify as Taiwan Rejects China’s Demands
The trade dispute between Taiwan and China has escalated after Beijing accused Taiwan of maintaining unfair trade barriers. Taiwan’s restrictions, covering over 2,000 Chinese products, have prompted China’s Ministry of Commerce to consider countermeasures. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council responded by denouncing China’s use of economic threats, describing it as an attempt to force Taiwan into political concessions.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) attributed Taiwan’s inaction to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its refusal to acknowledge the “1992 consensus.” This consensus, according to Beijing, is a political understanding necessary for cross-strait negotiations. The DPP, however, has long rejected this framework, viewing it as a threat to Taiwan’s sovereignty.
In his recent National Day address, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te reiterated that the Republic of China, Taiwan’s official name, is a distinct entity from the People’s Republic of China. He asserted that Taiwan’s government and its people will not be subjected to Beijing’s political pressures. China responded by accusing Lai of stoking hostility and undermining cross-strait stability.
The Mainland Affairs Council warned that China’s aggressive economic measures would only increase resentment among the Taiwanese public and damage bilateral relations. Taiwan emphasized that meaningful dialogue on economic affairs should focus on practical solutions rather than political manipulation. The government is seeking a resolution through international trade mechanisms such as the WTO.
Taiwan remains steadfast in defending its trade policies and sovereignty, urging China to refrain from using economic pressure as leverage. The dispute underscores the deep-rooted political divide, with no quick resolution in sight.
“The ROC and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to one another.” — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te
