The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Photo: VCG

The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Wednesday launched a trade barriers investigation into the Taiwan region's trade restrictions imposed on more than 2,000 imports from the Chinese mainland, after reviewing a request made by three industry associations. 

The probe, covering 2,455 items, will be concluded by October 12 this year. Under special circumstances, the investigation could be extended to January 12, 2024, the ministry said, stressing that the probe was launched in accordance to relevant laws and regulations.

The probe was initiated upon due procedures at the request submitted jointly by three industry associations, including the China Chamber of Commerce of the I/E of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products, according to the MOFCOM.

Asked about the investigation on Wednesday, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the cabinet, said that Taiwan authorities have long adopted unilateral restrictions on the import of more than 2,400 products from the mainland, which have damaged the interests of related industries and enterprises in the mainland.

Zhu noted that the MOFCOM launched the probe according to relevant regulations, and relevant findings will be announced in due course.

Also, in response to a question concerning factors hindering Taiwan's economic development, Zhu said that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' provocative actions to seek "Taiwan independence" in collusion with external forces have posed the biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits.

The investigation is not targeted at Taiwan compatriots, but aims to counter "Taiwan independence" secessionists, who are actively working to undermine normal cross-Straits economic and trade cooperation, experts noted.

The MOFCOM's trade barriers investigation is countering secessionist forces seeking "Taiwan independence," Wang Jianmin, a senior expert in cross-Straits affairs at Minnan Normal University in Fujian Province, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Experts said it is believed that the mainland will respond accordingly to the findings of the probe, and the DPP is responsible for any potential impact on the Taiwan regional economy, which is already facing downward pressure.

Underscoring the mainland's support for legitimate Taiwan businesses, senior mainland officials have in recent days met with business leaders from the Taiwan island and called for strengthened cross-Straits cooperation.

During a meeting with a delegation from Taiwan on Monday, Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, stressed that the mainland will always respect, care for and work to bring benefits to Taiwan compatriots.

Efforts will be made to ensure that Taiwan compatriots and their businesses are willing to invest on the mainland, integrate into the development of the mainland and prosper on the mainland, and they can benefit from the mainland's development and share the glory of national rejuvenation, Wang said.

On April 6, Zhang Guangjun, Vice Minister of Science and Technology, met with top executives from HTC Corp and VIA Technologies, and had in-depth exchanges on supporting Taiwan firms to participate in the national high-quality development and promoting cross-Straits scientific and technological exchanges.