Following Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun’s (鄭麗文) visit to China last week, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has once again resorted to its old tactics, offering to purchase Taiwanese agricultural products as a condition in exchange for support for unification. I strongly disapprove of the KMT’s willingness to accept such a humiliating proposal that undermines our nation’s sovereignty.
Pineapple prices can fluctuate for many reasons, such as the cultivation volume in a given year, overall economic conditions and poor harvests of other fruits caused by natural disasters. When the China factor comes into play, Taiwan sometimes exports pineapples across the Straight, where they are naturally sold at prices exceeding the general market rate.
However, not all farmers have the opportunity to receive this kind of “favor” as the CCP has long treated the importation of Taiwanese agricultural products as part of its “united front” strategy. The purchase of pineapples is typically limited to specific farmers in designated counties and cities and the quantities are often limited.
The CCP’s purchase of Taiwan-grown pineapples can be seen as resembling an ancient monarch bestowing privileges upon subjects that obtain his favor — a practice inconsistent with the principles of a free market.
The purchases can also be suspended at any time with no regard for farmers’ livelihoods. In particular, the CCP has entirely treated the purchase of Taiwanese agricultural products as a tool of “united front” work.
Whenever the government takes actions that hinder “national reunification” or are interpreted as promoting Taiwanese independence, the CCP tends to immediately halt imports of certain agricultural products. Such political intervention leads to the most unpredictable and damaging effects on Taiwan’s farmers.
Even if the CCP had the capacity to fully purchase all Taiwan-grown pineapples and enable farmers to sell at better prices, requiring farmers to accept unification and cause Taiwan to become a state ruled by the CCP would have the most severe consequence — the permanent loss of their dignity and way of life.
After all, sacrificing the stability and dignity of future generations for the sake of earning a slightly higher income is simply not worth it.
Chen Chi-nung is a political commentator.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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