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