China has announced 26 new incentives in an attempt to lure more Taiwanese talent and companies. That’s on top of the 31 other incentives it began offering last year.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office and the National Development and Reform Commission on Monday made the announcement, saying that the measures are to help promote economic and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and China. The 13 incentives for Taiwanese companies and 13 for Taiwanese citizens are purported to provide “equal treatment with Chinese citizens.” China says the incentives will go into effect on Monday.
Meanwhile in Taiwan, Presidential Office Spokesperson Ting Yun-kung said Beijing is trying to put Taiwan in a box and harm the interests of the Taiwanese people. Ting said Beijing’s intention is to cause division within Taiwan and to intervene in Taiwan’s upcoming presidential election, which will take place in January. Ting called on China to stop suppressing Taiwan and to give up the “one country, two systems” formula as a way of asserting authority over Taiwan. He said that’s the only way to ensure peace, stability and positive developments in cross-strait relations.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council also responded to the announcement from Beijing. The council said that the incentives are China’s reaction to the Taiwanese people’s rejection of the “one country, two systems” formula.
The council called on the people of Taiwan to be aware of the differences in cross-strait policies and to take precautions when traveling to China. The council also said that the Taiwan government will further assess the validity of the measures. They called on Chinese authorities to guarantee protections for Taiwanese businesses and investment in China.
