A senior Chinese official has vehemently denounced the recently negotiated trade agreement between Taiwan and the United States, characterizing it as a detrimental arrangement that compromises Taiwan’s economic sovereignty. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, delivered sharp criticism during a press briefing on Thursday, asserting that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have engaged in what he described as foreign subservience.
According to Chen, the trade pact essentially constitutes a ‘list of tributes’ that undermines Taiwan’s interests while disproportionately benefiting the United States. He accused the DPP leadership of pursuing independence agendas through external alliances, effectively facilitating the exploitation of Taiwan’s industrial sector and compromising the welfare of its citizens. The spokesman emphasized that such diplomatic and economic maneuvers reveal what he called a ‘servile and obsequious posture’ by Taiwan’s current administration.
The controversial agreement, finalized on January 15, stipulates that the United States will reduce tariff rates on Taiwanese imports from 20% to 15%. In exchange, Taiwan has committed to investing a minimum of $250 billion in the U.S. while providing equivalent credit guarantees exceeding $250 billion. The arrangement currently awaits legislative ratification in Taiwan, where opposition lawmakers have raised transparency concerns regarding the negotiation process and its long-term implications.
Chen’s remarks came in direct response to statements made by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, who previously advocated for cross-party support to safeguard the trade agreement during an ‘economic prosperity partnership dialogue’ conference. The escalating diplomatic rhetoric highlights continuing tensions in cross-strait relations and reflects Beijing’s firm opposition to any bilateral agreements that might suggest international recognition of Taiwan’s separate political status.