TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — DPP Spokesperson Wu Cheng (吳崢) on Wednesday criticized KMT politicians for supporting Taitung County Magistrate Rao Ching-ling's (饒慶鈴) participation in the Straits Forum, which Rao said was intended to promote fruit exports to China.
Wu said that the CCP views agricultural imports as part of its united front strategy and could halt imports of Taiwanese agricultural products without warning, per ETtoday. He noted that China previously suspended imports of Taiwanese pineapples over concerns about scale insects and banned atemoya imports from Taitung County.
Wu asserted that China encourages dependence on its market before restricting imports to extract political concessions. Citing past experiences of Taiwanese farmers, he called on the KMT not to participate in what he described as China's united front tactics and to avoid leading farmers down a path that could result in future losses.
Wu added that while the government has never prohibited agricultural exports to China, it has sought to diversify Taiwan's export markets.
Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) echoed those concerns during a legislative committee meeting on Wednesday, urging local officials to avoid what he described as political traps in cross-strait exchanges, per Mirror Media. He said local leaders should focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of Taiwan's agricultural sector rather than cooperating with China's united front efforts.
Chiu also commented on the potential penalties Rao could face for attending the forum, per CNA. Citing the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, he said that if authorities determine her actions violated the law, she could face a fine of between NT$100,000 (US$3,166) and NT$500,000.
Chiu further alleged that Rao had previously altered a scheduled visit to China to accommodate a meeting with Song Tao (宋濤), director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office. Responding to criticism of his past attendance at the Straits Forum, Chiu said his participation was part of an academic effort to better understand the event, per Liberty Times.
He pointed out that he later submitted a report concluding that the forum serves as a platform for united front activities.
In an interview, Rao rejected the DPP's characterization of her efforts to expand agricultural exports, per UDN. She argued that Taitung County needs to understand the Chinese market, noting that about 95% of atemoya exports are destined for China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Citing the high barriers to entry associated with atemoya, Rao said Taiwan's atemoya industry should not fear competition from Chinese growers. She added that farmers must continue improving their products to remain competitive.
Asked about expanding export markets for Taitung atemoya, Rao said negotiations with foreign governments can take three to five years and are beyond the capabilities of local governments, per Newtalk. She acknowledged progress made in opening overseas markets for mangoes and pineapples and argued that atemoya, Taiwan's second-most-exported fruit, should be included in the next round of export negotiations.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) also weighed in on the controversy, saying the central government should appreciate local leaders who help promote Taiwanese products abroad, per Storm Media. She suggested that punishing Rao would ultimately harm Taiwanese farmers.
