China has banned imports of grouper fish from Taiwan. It’s the latest in a string of trade suspensions, coming after Beijing blocked shipments of pineapples and sugar apples last year.
Chinese authorities say they stopped importing the fish on Monday after they found banned chemical substances during testing.
In response, a group of Taiwanese ruling party lawmakers is accusing China of using “cultivate, trap, kill” tactics to increase pressure on Taiwan.
“Cultivate, trap, kill” is a phrase used by some commentators to describe the way China exploits overseas investors. First, Beijing cultivates ties with foreign companies keen to profit from the country’s vast market. Next, it traps the companies and steals trade secrets, before finally killing the business arrangement.
The Taiwanese lawmakers are calling China’s controversial strategy irresponsible and unacceptable. They say the government is making every effort to work with farmers, fishers and producers to reduce future risks from import bans.
According to the lawmakers, Taiwan’s Council of Agriculture will come up with strategies for selling Taiwanese goods to more varied markets.