Chinese mainland to reinstate tariffs on 34 Taiwan agricultural imports

Chen Binhua, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

The mainland will reinstate tariffs on 34 agricultural imports from Taiwan, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and aquatic products, starting on Sept 25 in response to Taiwan authorities' pro-independence and separatist stances, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said on Wednesday.

The mainland had previously exempted these tariffs in two phases on Aug 1, 2005, and March 20, 2007, based on the principle that individuals on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are part of the same family, said Chen Binhua.

This exemption had facilitated Taiwan's farmers and fishermen in expanding their market presence on the mainland, offering tangible benefits.

However, the spokesman said since assuming leadership in Taiwan, Lai Ching-te has consistently maintained a pro-independence stance, engaging in activities that escalate tensions and impede cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation.

Chen noted that Taiwan has unilaterally restricted imports of over 1,000 agricultural products from the mainland, significantly affecting the well-being of individuals on both sides of the Strait.

In response to these developments, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council has decided to discontinue the favorable policy toward Taiwan's agricultural produce, with strong support from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, Chen said.

Emphasizing the mainland's commitment to respecting, caring for, and benefiting compatriots from Taiwan, Chen reiterated efforts to promote economic and cultural exchanges, foster integration across various sectors, and welcome and support farmers and residents from Taiwan seeking development opportunities on the mainland.

Chen stressed that pursuits of "Taiwan independence" do not lead to peace or progress but rather cause harm and turmoil.

He urged the broader Taiwan society, including farmers and fishermen, to recognize the severe dangers and harms associated with the Democratic Progressive Party's pursuit of the "Taiwan independence" path.

He called on Taiwan residents to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, promote peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and collaborate with mainland compatriots to build a prosperous future for the Chinese nation.