On Sept. 18, the same day a group of travel industry representatives from the Xiamen Tourism Association visited Kinmen County for a “familiarization tour,” the Chinese Ministry of Finance abruptly announced that 34 Taiwanese agricultural products — including fresh fruit, vegetables and aquatic products that were originally exempt from tariffs — would no longer be eligible under the exemption policy from Wednesday last week.
China’s policy change came at an extremely sensitive time. While preparing to open up cross-strait tourism, it simultaneously announced limits on imports of Taiwanese agricultural products. This is clearly a two-pronged strategy.
China’s implementation of the tariff exemptions in 2005 provided more sales channels for Taiwanese agricultural products, but unilaterally terminating the agreement would undoubtedly significant affect Taiwanese farmers.
It is clear that China initially viewed the policy as an act of “goodwill,” but has now maliciously retracted it. The underlying reason is clear. Unfortunately, a new variable in cross-strait relations has emerged, as China easily applies political ideology to all cross-strait interactions.
Sports and healthcare are the most obvious examples, but even religious activities have not been spared. Even livelihood projects are being politicized. It is clear that China’s interactions with Taiwan are only driven by political considerations — all else are merely means to reach their goal.
Therefore, shifting the main focus of agricultural exports should be a top priority. The quality of Taiwanese agricultural products is perfectly evident. In the past few years, the Ministry of Agriculture has worked to expand exports and establish more international high-end markets, gradually moving away from dependence on Chinese markets.
Beijing’s policy shift should help the majority of Taiwanese understand its ideology: “Goodwill” is nothing but a facade. Only by maintaining a firm stance and responding appropriately can Taiwan avoid being affected by China’s every move and policy shift. This way, Taiwan can gradually gain its footing on the international stage.
Li Kuan-long is a lecturer at Shih Chien University’s Kaohsiung campus.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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