In a response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-Te’s recent address, China has announced it is evaluating further trade measures against Taiwan.

The Ministry of Commerce indicated that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Taiwan’s ruling party, has failed to take meaningful steps to lift trade restrictions on mainland China.

Lai’s speech, delivered during Taiwan’s national day celebrations, asserted that China has no right to represent Taiwan while expressing a willingness to collaborate on shared challenges like climate change.

This dual approach of firmness and openness, however, provoked a strong negative reaction from Beijing.

China’s commerce ministry stated that relevant departments are examining additional measures in light of trade barriers imposed by Taiwan.

The Taiwan Affairs Office criticized Lai’s remarks, labeling them as promoting separatist sentiments and escalating tensions.

They highlighted that the root cause of the ongoing trade disputes lies in the DPP’s persistent stance on Taiwanese independence.

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In a previous move, China reinstated tariffs on 134 Taiwanese imports in May, reflecting ongoing economic friction between the two.

Taiwanese officials have warned that Beijing may further pressure the island by revoking preferential trade terms established under the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), which was signed in 2010.