TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — To combat Chinese influence in Taiwan, a list of purportedly pro-China and pro-unification businesses using Google Maps has been developed.
Called “Red Business Guide” it includes over 400 businesses across multiple industries, reported LTN. The list is intended as a reference for customers who want to avoid supporting businesses that are wholly Chinese-owned or owned by companies or individuals that allegedly support political integration with China.
On Google Maps, the description of the Red Business Guide says that any business that is “Chinese owned, supports unification, displays communist symbols, uses simplified Chinese characters, or uses food ingredients from China” may be included. The description mentions that some business belonging to Taiwan’s Want Want Group and the Ting Hsin International Group are also included.
There was online shock at the number of so-called “red businesses” in Taiwan’s major cities, especially Taipei. As of publication, every Taiwanese county, with the exception of Hualien, had businesses identified in the guide.
While some expressed enthusiasm for the Red Business Guide as a useful reference tool, others argued that some criteria such as “uses simplified characters or Chinese food ingredients” are excessive, per SETN.
A large portion of the businesses identified in the guide are corporate chains, including pharmacies and hot pot restaurants. However, many independent businesses are also listed, like stationary stores or small food suppliers, prompting heated discussions between those justifying and those criticizing the list.
