TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC, 陸委會) criticized China on Monday (Sept. 2) for resuming the import of Taiwanese pomelos, stating that China is using economic and trade measures for political purposes.
The MAC compared this action to past instances where China resumed importing Taiwanese pineapples, sugar apples, and grouper fish, viewing them as political maneuvers.
The MAC pointed out that China did not consult Taiwan under the Cross-Strait Arrangement on Cooperation of Agricultural Product Quarantine and Inspection (海峽兩岸農產品檢疫檢驗合作協議) or inform Taiwan of the quarantine conditions.
This lack of consistent quarantine standards, according to the MAC, indicates political motives rather than professional technical considerations.
The MAC emphasized that China hinders the development of cross-strait agricultural and fishery industries by employing a "first block, then benefit" strategy. The council repeatedly urged China not to use economic measures as tools of political coercion against Taiwan's agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Previously, China had suspended imports of Taiwanese citrus fruits, including pomelos, citing issues such as the presence of Planococcus minor pests and excessive pesticide residues. Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture had raised concerns through cross-strait agreements and WTO meetings, calling for scientific and technical dialogue to lift the ban promptly.
Chen Binhua (陳斌華), spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, stated that China's General Administration of Customs decided to resume pomelo imports, provided they come from registered packaging plants and orchards. The MAC advised farmers to remain cautious about market stability to avoid further harm.
