BEIJING - The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council has rejected Taiwan authorities' accusation that the mainland is engaging in "economic coercion," following the mainland's announcement to cancel the zero-tariff policy on 34 agricultural products from Taiwan.

Such claims are a complete distortion of the facts, said Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the office, at a press conference on Wednesday.

Zhu said that the mainland began introducing the zero-tariff policies in 2005 to expand the sales of Taiwan farm produce on the mainland.

The measures applied to 15 types of fruits, 11 vegetables, and eight aquatic products, bringing tangible benefits to compatriots in Taiwan, Zhu added.

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She expressed regret that in recent years, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have continued to promote "Taiwan independence" provocations, escalate tensions and undermine cross-Strait cooperation.

Zhu pointed out that the DPP authorities have imposed unilateral restrictions on over 1,000 mainland agricultural products, which she said harm the interests of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

In view of this, the mainland decided to stop implementing the policies of exempting import tariffs on 34 agricultural products originating from Taiwan effective from Sept 25, 2024, she said.

In response to Taiwan authorities' call for consultations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) frameworks, Zhu dismissed the suggestion as an attempt by the DPP authorities to "internationalize" the Taiwan question and reiterated that the foundation for cross-Strait consultations is the 1992 Consensus, not WTO frameworks and regulations.

Zhu urged the DPP authorities to take practical steps to stop undermining cross-Strait relations and harming the welfare of compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

Cyberattacks

Zhu also slammed Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te for instigating sneaky cyberattacks on the mainland.

She made the remarks in response to an inquiry about an article recently published by the state security authority revealing that a hacker organization, which frequently launches cyberattacks on the mainland, was affiliated with Taiwan's military intelligence agency.

The hacker organization had spread rumors and distortions, attempting to provoke confrontation across the Taiwan Strait, Zhu said, adding that this move had exposed an attempt by Taiwan authorities to obstruct and undermine cross-Strait relations and seek "Taiwan independence".

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She said the state security authority's countermeasure has safeguarded national security and cross-Strait stability, calling it a just move in accordance with the law to punish those seeking "Taiwan independence".

National reunification is the prevailing trend of history that cannot be stopped by anyone or any force, Zhu added.

Taiwan compatriots should recognize the true intention of Taiwan authorities led by Lai in obstinately sticking to the "Taiwan independence" stance and carrying out separatist activities, she said, while also calling on Taiwan compatriots to oppose such provocative and risky acts and safeguard peace across the Strait.  

Moldy US military equipment

Zhu also commented on a report regarding expired and moldy military equipment provided by the United States to Taiwan, saying that Washington consistently puts its own interests first, and is ready to abandon its pawns when necessary, with Taiwan being no exception.

Taiwan's DPP authorities, in pursuit of their own selfish agenda of "Taiwan independence", accepted all the worthless military equipment discarded by the United States, continuing to serve as a cash cow for the United States and recklessly squandering the hard-earned money of the people of Taiwan, said Zhu.

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"The DPP's conducts not only fail to guarantee the safety of the Taiwan people, but also risk pushing them to the dangerous precipice of war," she said.

According to a recent report released by the US Department of Defense, the military equipment Taiwan received from the United States in December last year included expired ammunition and damp and moldy bulletproof vests.