Amid an investigation into key Apple supplier Foxconn, China's government stated on Wednesday that Taiwanese enterprises should take up their social obligations and play a "positive role" in fostering the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait.
The front-runner for president of Taiwan has pounced on China's tax and land use probes into Foxconn's operations there as an example of Chinese meddling in elections and exerting excessive pressure on Taiwanese corporations that have made billion-dollar investments in China.
The investigations, which were initially revealed on Sunday by the nationalistic, state-sponsored tabloid the Global Times, have not been formally acknowledged by the Chinese government. Taiwan is claimed as Chinese territory.
Zhu Fenglian, a representative for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, was questioned about the investigation during a regular news conference in Beijing. She declined to confirm it or mention Foxconn.
"Relevant mainland departments treat all enterprises equally in accordance with the law and regulations, and it is a normal law enforcement act to carry out law-abiding investigations," she said.
Zhu stated that China will continue to uphold its policy of respecting, looking out for, and helping its Taiwanese citizens. The government will also continue to assist Taiwanese entrepreneurs and businesses in making investments and establishing favourable conditions for their growth.
She indicated that China anticipated these businesses would have a political influence.
"While sharing development benefits and growth dividends on the mainland and achieving rapid development, Taiwan enterprises should also assume corresponding social responsibilities and play a positive role in promoting the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations."
No further details were provided by Zhu.
Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te, the nominee of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for president in the January elections, blasted China on Tuesday for its investigation into Foxconn, stating Beijing ought to "cherish" Taiwanese businesses rather than exert pressure on them during a political campaign.
Lai, the front-runner in opinion polls, is seen by China as a separatist intent on issuing a formal proclamation of independence. Lai has frequently offered to hold discussions with Beijing, but Beijing has rejected him. Lai claims he will keep things as they are with Beijing.
China's criticisms against Lai intensified when Zhu declared that he was "duping people" by attempting to "use weapons to seek independence" while also advocating for dialogue.
"As pointed out by the media on the island, Lai Ching-te has now changing from a Taiwan independence maniac to a Taiwan independence liar," she said.
"This comment has hit the nail on the head and is appropriate. I believe that the majority of Taiwanese compatriots have a clear understanding of this."
(Source:www.usnews.com)
The front-runner for president of Taiwan has pounced on China's tax and land use probes into Foxconn's operations there as an example of Chinese meddling in elections and exerting excessive pressure on Taiwanese corporations that have made billion-dollar investments in China.
The investigations, which were initially revealed on Sunday by the nationalistic, state-sponsored tabloid the Global Times, have not been formally acknowledged by the Chinese government. Taiwan is claimed as Chinese territory.
Zhu Fenglian, a representative for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, was questioned about the investigation during a regular news conference in Beijing. She declined to confirm it or mention Foxconn.
"Relevant mainland departments treat all enterprises equally in accordance with the law and regulations, and it is a normal law enforcement act to carry out law-abiding investigations," she said.
Zhu stated that China will continue to uphold its policy of respecting, looking out for, and helping its Taiwanese citizens. The government will also continue to assist Taiwanese entrepreneurs and businesses in making investments and establishing favourable conditions for their growth.
She indicated that China anticipated these businesses would have a political influence.
"While sharing development benefits and growth dividends on the mainland and achieving rapid development, Taiwan enterprises should also assume corresponding social responsibilities and play a positive role in promoting the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations."
No further details were provided by Zhu.
Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te, the nominee of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for president in the January elections, blasted China on Tuesday for its investigation into Foxconn, stating Beijing ought to "cherish" Taiwanese businesses rather than exert pressure on them during a political campaign.
Lai, the front-runner in opinion polls, is seen by China as a separatist intent on issuing a formal proclamation of independence. Lai has frequently offered to hold discussions with Beijing, but Beijing has rejected him. Lai claims he will keep things as they are with Beijing.
China's criticisms against Lai intensified when Zhu declared that he was "duping people" by attempting to "use weapons to seek independence" while also advocating for dialogue.
"As pointed out by the media on the island, Lai Ching-te has now changing from a Taiwan independence maniac to a Taiwan independence liar," she said.
"This comment has hit the nail on the head and is appropriate. I believe that the majority of Taiwanese compatriots have a clear understanding of this."
(Source:www.usnews.com)
