There has been political and military tension between China and Taiwan for a long time. Usually, the reason for disputes between the two countries are military activities or political issues, but this time a fruit has become the center of discussion. Actually, custard apple growing in Taiwan, which is considered a special variety of custard apple, is once again in the headlines. It is cultivated on a large scale in the Taitung region of Taiwan and China has long been its major buyer. Recently China has expressed its desire to increase the purchase of this fruit. This has definitely given farmers hope for better earnings, but many people in Taiwan are not considering it as just a business decision. He believes that there may be political and strategic thinking behind this.
China considers Taiwan as its part and there is often tension in the relations between the two. Beijing tries to influence Taiwan not only through military power but also through economic and trade means. An example of this was seen in 2021, when China suddenly banned the import of pineapples from Taiwan. The income of thousands of farmers was affected by that decision. Now, regarding Sitaphal also, some people fear that China might adopt the same strategy again. This is why while farmers are seeing it as an opportunity, the Taiwan government and experts are examining it carefully.
Question on China’s strategy
In a statement issued on June 20, Taiwan’s Agriculture Ministry alleged that China first attracts farmers by showing them the benefits of its huge market and then exerts pressure by changing trade rules when the time comes. The ministry says that excessive dependence on any one market can prove risky for farmers. The income of many farmers in the Taitung area has long been dependent on exports to China. In such a situation, when imports were banned in 2021, they had to suffer huge losses. Now there is relief from the possibility of increasing purchases again, but there is also concern about the future.
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Restrictions have already been imposed
Taiwan claims that China had banned the import of custard apple in 2021 citing pests. Later, limited import resumed in 2023, but a separate tax was imposed on this fruit in 2024. Taiwan says that frequently changing rules create instability for farmers and businessmen. Apart from this, there is also a concern that China is now promoting the cultivation of Custard Apple in its country. If domestic production increases, the Chinese market will no longer be the same for Taiwanese farmers in the future.
exploring new markets
Recently, in an event organized in Xiamen city of China, Chinese companies assured to increase the purchase of custard apple, tea and fish from Taiwan. Although the Taiwan government had distanced itself from official participation in the event, some businessmen and opposition leaders attended. After this the debate has intensified in Taiwan. The government says that instead of depending only on China, farmers should find markets in other countries also. In this direction, preparation of juice, puree, wine and other processed products from Custard Apple is being promoted, so that the income of the farmers remains more stable and safe.
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