April 17, 2026

China looks to import aquaculture products from Taiwan following visit by Taiwanese politician

China announced on April 12 its intention to resume certain ties with Taiwan, including direct flights to various cities across China and the import of Taiwanese aquaculture products, coinciding with the conclusion of a visit by the island's opposition party leader.

The Taiwan Work Office, under China's Communist Party, stated that it would consider establishing a long-term communication mechanism between the Communist Party and Taiwan's Kuomintang Party while facilitating the import of Taiwanese aquaculture products, which had been banned in recent years.

During a high-profile meeting on April 10, Cheng Li-wun, the head of the Kuomintang, and China's President Xi Jinping both called for peace, although they did not provide specific details on how to achieve this.

China imposed a ban on the import of Taiwanese pineapples in 2021, later extending this ban to various products, including grouper fish, squid, tuna, and other fruits. Following the initial ban on grouper, Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture sought to engage with China to adjust import requirements. In response, China provided a limited list of specific companies permitted to export to China, though without further clarification.

Taiwan has stated that it will "continuously assist farmers and businesses in expanding into overseas markets" to mitigate risks associated with these import restrictions, as indicated in a statement issued.

- AP