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"Taiwan independence" attempts lead mainland to halt tariff cuts under ECFA: commentary

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      China

      China

      "Taiwan independence" attempts lead mainland to halt tariff cuts under ECFA: commentary

      2024-06-01 21:46 Last Updated At:22:07

      The fundamental reason why the mainland has to halt tariff cuts enjoyed by some Taiwan products under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) is the separatist acts made by the Taiwan authorities, according to a China Media Group (CMG) commentary published on Friday.

      An edited English-language version of the commentary is as follows:

      The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced on Friday that starting on June 15, 2024, tariff concessions for 134 tariff items from Taiwan that currently enjoy preferential tariff rates stipulated in the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) will be suspended.

      Chen Binhua, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, pointed out on May 31 that the Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te have stuck to the "Taiwan independence" stance, refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus, and incited cross-Strait confrontation and economic "decoupling". These actions seriously undermine the foundation of cross-Strait consultations and the implementation of the ECFA, forcing relevant agencies in the mainland to further halt tax reductions on some Taiwan products according to the ECFA. Facts have once again proved that there will be no peace and no development if Taiwan authorities keep pursuing the so-called "Taiwan independence".

      Pursuit of "Taiwan independence" is the main culprit that undermines cross-Strait economic cooperation and harms the interests of businesses and people on the island.

      Since the two sides signed the ECFA in June 2010 on the basis of the 1992 Consensus, the mainland has reduced import tariffs on products from Taiwan, benefiting a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises and people in the region. However, the DPP authorities have long violated the ECFA rules by imposing discriminatory restrictions on mainland goods, in order to incite anti-China sentiments and pursue independence. After the mainland announced the suspension of tariff reductions for 12 products under the ECFA at the end of last year as a warning, the DPP authorities have not only failed to take any remedial measures, but intensified their efforts to obstruct and undermine normal cross-Strait economic exchanges and cooperation. The mainland has to take actions again to safeguard the reciprocity, fairness and justice in the cross-Strait economic and trade exchanges. Now, tariff concessions for 146 product categories from Taiwan that enjoyed preferential tariff rates stipulated in the ECFA have been or will be suspended and the responsibility for that escalation lies entirely with the DPP authorities.

      "Taiwan independence" is extremely dangerous, and pursuing "Taiwan independence" will only bring harm to Taiwan. Since Lai Ching-te came into power, he has refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus, vigorously trumpeted "Taiwan independence" separatist rhetoric, sent a dangerous signal of seeking independence as provocation, seriously undermined the political foundation and fundamental prerequisites for cross-Strait consultation and economic cooperation. All these actions will surely further impact cross-Strait economic and trade relations, triggering a domino effect that will jeopardize Taiwan's economic development.

      In addition to Taiwan's exports and investment to be hit by the suspension of tariff reductions for some products under the ECFA, the development of related enterprises will also be affected. The industrial competitiveness will be significantly reduced, and Taiwan's overall economy will suffer a heavy blow. More and more people on the island have realized the harm of pursuing "Taiwan independence". Some businesspeople in Taiwan said angrily that Lai Ching-te's pursuit of "Taiwan independence" has caused great harms to them. Some others agree that if Taiwan separatists are in power, Taiwan has no future!

      Compatriots on both sides of the Strait share the same root. The mainland always respects, cares and seeks to benefit people in Taiwan, and always takes a positive attitude towards promoting cross-Strait economic exchanges and cooperation. The mainland hopes that Taiwan compatriots will distinguish right from wrong, resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence", work with compatriots on the mainland to deepen cross-Strait integrated development, share the opportunities of Chinese modernization, and firmly hold their destiny in their own hands.

      "Taiwan independence" attempts lead mainland to halt tariff cuts under ECFA: commentary

      "Taiwan independence" attempts lead mainland to halt tariff cuts under ECFA: commentary

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      China sees booming winter tourism during Spring Festival travel rush

      2025-02-24 05:18 Last Updated At:06:27

      China's ice and snow tourism has experienced booming growth during the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush which just concluded on Saturday.

      Data from Tongcheng Travel, an online travel service provider, shows that hotel bookings surged by over 40 percent year on year in many popular winter tourism destinations in northern China, including Altay and Yili in northwest China's Xinjiang, Qitaihe in northeast China's Heilongjiang and Xilingol League in north China's Inner Mongolia.

      The ice and snow fervor fueled by the Asian Winter Games, which were held in the "Ice City" of Harbin from February 7 to 14, has spurred economic growth and boosted tourism in the city and surrounding areas. As a result, domestic flight bookings for Harbin increased by over 20 percent year on year. Hotel bookings in the city rose by about 60 percent compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the total number of inbound tourists has seen a year-on-year increase of over 144 percent.

      In addition to the northern regions which are traditionally winter tourist destinations, many places in the south are also seeing growing popularity for winter activities. The search volumes of ice and snow-related consumption more than doubled in places like Shanghai, Zhejiang and Guangdong, according to data from Tongcheng Travel.

      "The number of tourists had increased about 30 percent during the Spring Festival, compared to the same period last year," said Zhou Daochun, an employee of a ski resort in Zhejiang Province.

      China's railway system had taken measures to deal with the ice and snow travel boom during this year’s Spring Festival travel rush with additional trains being operated between popular winter tourism destinations.

      Meanwhile, local railway systems also cooperated with transportation authorities to open special trains that could carry tourists to experience winter sports and events, achieving seamless transfer among railway stations, bus stops and ski resorts.

      In response to the surge in tourists heading to have fun with ice and snow in Shangri-La of southwest China's Yunnan province, local railway authorities operated special tourist trains that stopped in popular cities within the province, including Xishuangbanna, Kunming, and Dali. The trains then continued to Lijiang, where tourists could board a high-speed train that would take them directly to Shangri-La.

      Xiamen in east China's Fujian opened an ice and snow-themed train to Harbin for the first time. The local railway station also launched tailored services for certain tourists to ensure their safe and smooth travel.

      "We set up a designated area for tourist groups in the railway station's waiting area and assigned special personnel to help senior tourists, providing warm and secure services to ensure their comfort and safety," said Wu Zhenbin, staff working at the Xiamen North Railway Station.

      China sees booming winter tourism during Spring Festival travel rush

      China sees booming winter tourism during Spring Festival travel rush

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