A leading Taiwan business executive called Monday for both Chinese and Taiwanese governments to separate political considerations from economic cooperation, following Beijing’s recent announcement of new trade incentives for the island nation.
Paul Hsu, who leads Taiwan’s General Chamber of Commerce, made the appeal after China revealed new measures this month that would relax restrictions on tourism and food imports. However, Beijing tied these incentives to Taiwan “opposing Taiwan independence.”
China considers Taiwan, which operates as a democracy, to be part of its territory and has refused diplomatic engagement with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, labeling him a “separatist.” In recent years, Beijing has intensified political and economic pressure through tourism restrictions, food import bans, and regular military exercises.
“As soon as there is an opening up, it should be as much as possible be systematic and normalised to maintain the long-term stability of business and trade exchanges,” Hsu stated during a press conference in Taipei.
Speaking alongside representatives from tourism and food industries, Hsu called on China to provide consistent trade relationships instead of abrupt policy changes. He also advocated for equal treatment regardless of which political party controls Taiwan’s cities or counties, particularly in southern Taiwan where Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party maintains strong support.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has not yet responded to requests for comment on Hsu’s statements.
Beijing’s latest policy announcements followed a visit to China by Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun, who characterized her trip as a “journey of peace” and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Hsu’s organization, which represents over one million companies, issued a statement urging Taiwan’s government to “proactively face” China’s opening offers.
The business leader emphasized that his group’s political support would go to candidates who benefit Taiwan’s industries, stressing he represents non-partisan business interests.
“As long as you put forth good policies, we will offer support. But if you stand against us, I’m sorry, I can’t support you. We have a vote — we are a democratic society,” Hsu declared.
Taiwan is preparing for significant local elections in November, with the next presidential election scheduled for early 2028.
On Sunday, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, which handles China policy, promised to address industry’s “reasonable demands” while cautioning businesses against becoming “tools manipulated and exploited by the Chinese communists.”
