Beijing Offers Taiwan Incentives if It Rejects Independence
China has unveiled a package of 10 measures aimed at facilitating contacts, trade and travel with Taiwan. The move follows a visit to Beijing by Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen, who also held talks with President Xi Jinping on easing tensions.
The proposed measures include the resumption of flights, the easing of tourist restrictions and simplified exports of food and fishery products.
A communication mechanism is also set to be established between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the KMT. However, China has made some steps conditional on Taiwan rejecting independence. Beijing also plans to allow Taiwanese television programs to be broadcast, provided they meet ideological criteria.
The Taiwanese government reacted critically, describing the measures as “poisoned gifts” with political conditions attached. The opposition, by contrast, has welcomed the move.