Hsu Shu-po Refutes Pressure Claims, Urges China to Purchase Taiwanese Agricultural Products Without Political Bias with Two Suggestions
National Federation of Industries and Commerce Chairman Hsu Shu-po refuted claims of pressure from China regarding trade measures, stating that industries have the freedom to speak. He urged China not to halt its announced opening measures for political reasons and to purchase Taiwanese agricultural products without political bias. He also called on the Taiwanese government to prioritize industry interests.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 13:26
- 🔍 Collected: April 20, 2026 at 13:31 (4 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 13:43 (12 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 20, Correspondent Zeng Yunting) The Taiwan Affairs Office of the Communist Party of China issued 10 measures for Taiwan, with rumors circulating that China is pressuring Taiwanese industries to make statements. National Federation of Industries and Commerce Chairman Hsu Shu-po refuted this today, stating that there was no pressure from China and that 'industries have the freedom to speak, and they are not controlled by anyone's pressure.' He also made two suggestions: he hopes China will not unilaterally suspend announced opening measures for political reasons, and regarding the procurement of Taiwanese agricultural and fishery products, it should be unbiased towards the blue and green ruling counties and cities. He also hopes Taiwan will proceed from the perspective of industrial interests.
National Federation of Industries and Commerce Chairman Hsu Shu-po led industry associations from travel, hotels, food, pastry, fruits and vegetables, and tour buses to hold a press conference today. However, media reports days earlier stated that the motivation for this press conference stemmed from the General Chamber of Commerce and seven major industry associations being pressured by Beijing.
Hsu Shu-po emphasized that the government should not suppress industry voices by 'labeling' them. As chairman, he felt it was his duty to let industries speak out and that he could not be influenced by any pressure from China or Taiwan, nor had he received any pressure calls from China. 'Industries have the freedom to speak, and they are not controlled by anyone's pressure.'
Hsu Shu-po emphasized that the industry's proposals are constructive suggestions. The General Chamber of Commerce speaks from the standpoint of the survival and development of various industry guilds and has no intention of opposing the government. However, the government should not obstruct industry opinions in any way. Taiwan is a democratic society, 'and we also have votes.' Treating industries with unfounded charges could lead to a loss of votes.
He also made two appeals. First, he called on China not to unilaterally suspend announced opening measures for political reasons. Measures towards Taiwan should be institutionalized. Especially for tourism, food, and agricultural products, 'regardless of whether they are blue or green ruling counties and cities, especially Pingtung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, agricultural products should be bought as usual.' There should be no differential treatment, and all should be treated equally, so that the Taiwanese people can pragmatically view cross-strait relations.
Second, he called on the Taiwanese government and opposition parties to prioritize industrial development. What is beneficial to the people should be opened up, and they should not stand in opposition to industries and the people, allowing policies to be based on overall interests.
Chiu Ching-tien, Chairman of the Hotel and Motel Association, stated that the 10 measures proposed by the Chinese side are an opportunity for the travel and accommodation industry. The government should face related developments squarely and avoid policy expectations falling short. If cross-strait personnel exchanges and tourism expand, an increase in inbound tourists will help drive overall industry revenue growth.
Wu Ying-liang, Chairman of the Federation of Travel Agents Associations, also said that the travel industry employs hundreds of thousands of people. After the pandemic, most flights have resumed, but the recovery of direct cross-strait flights has lagged significantly, leading to increased costs for traveling to and from China for business and tourism. Therefore, it is recommended that direct flights be gradually increased while considering national security, allowing for more balanced development of the tourism market. Not only should we rely on travelers from Europe, America, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, but we should also attract travelers from all regions to Taiwan, so that all businesses can benefit.
Cheng Chun-chou, Chairman of the Tour Bus Passenger Transport Quality Assurance Association, pointed out that from approximately 17,400 tour buses and 927 bus companies in 2016 to about 1,375 buses and 888 companies currently, the industry's operational difficulties are severe, and the driver shortage continues. Therefore, if mainland tourists are allowed to visit Taiwan, it would be very helpful for the industry.
Wu Ching-lu, Honorary Chairman of the Taiwan Vegetable and Fruit Exporters Association, pointed out that fruits and vegetables are not easy to preserve, and channel expansion is particularly crucial. Industry operators look forward to the measures from China bringing more sales opportunities. They hope that under the principle of mutual benefit, China will clearly establish inspection and quarantine regulations to ensure the smooth export of Taiwanese agricultural products. (Editor: Pan Yijing) 1150420
Stand with the facts, every sponsorship from you is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP to grasp the latest news in real time.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.
National Federation of Industries and Commerce Chairman Hsu Shu-po led industry associations from travel, hotels, food, pastry, fruits and vegetables, and tour buses to hold a press conference today. However, media reports days earlier stated that the motivation for this press conference stemmed from the General Chamber of Commerce and seven major industry associations being pressured by Beijing.
Hsu Shu-po emphasized that the government should not suppress industry voices by 'labeling' them. As chairman, he felt it was his duty to let industries speak out and that he could not be influenced by any pressure from China or Taiwan, nor had he received any pressure calls from China. 'Industries have the freedom to speak, and they are not controlled by anyone's pressure.'
Hsu Shu-po emphasized that the industry's proposals are constructive suggestions. The General Chamber of Commerce speaks from the standpoint of the survival and development of various industry guilds and has no intention of opposing the government. However, the government should not obstruct industry opinions in any way. Taiwan is a democratic society, 'and we also have votes.' Treating industries with unfounded charges could lead to a loss of votes.
He also made two appeals. First, he called on China not to unilaterally suspend announced opening measures for political reasons. Measures towards Taiwan should be institutionalized. Especially for tourism, food, and agricultural products, 'regardless of whether they are blue or green ruling counties and cities, especially Pingtung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, agricultural products should be bought as usual.' There should be no differential treatment, and all should be treated equally, so that the Taiwanese people can pragmatically view cross-strait relations.
Second, he called on the Taiwanese government and opposition parties to prioritize industrial development. What is beneficial to the people should be opened up, and they should not stand in opposition to industries and the people, allowing policies to be based on overall interests.
Chiu Ching-tien, Chairman of the Hotel and Motel Association, stated that the 10 measures proposed by the Chinese side are an opportunity for the travel and accommodation industry. The government should face related developments squarely and avoid policy expectations falling short. If cross-strait personnel exchanges and tourism expand, an increase in inbound tourists will help drive overall industry revenue growth.
Wu Ying-liang, Chairman of the Federation of Travel Agents Associations, also said that the travel industry employs hundreds of thousands of people. After the pandemic, most flights have resumed, but the recovery of direct cross-strait flights has lagged significantly, leading to increased costs for traveling to and from China for business and tourism. Therefore, it is recommended that direct flights be gradually increased while considering national security, allowing for more balanced development of the tourism market. Not only should we rely on travelers from Europe, America, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, but we should also attract travelers from all regions to Taiwan, so that all businesses can benefit.
Cheng Chun-chou, Chairman of the Tour Bus Passenger Transport Quality Assurance Association, pointed out that from approximately 17,400 tour buses and 927 bus companies in 2016 to about 1,375 buses and 888 companies currently, the industry's operational difficulties are severe, and the driver shortage continues. Therefore, if mainland tourists are allowed to visit Taiwan, it would be very helpful for the industry.
Wu Ching-lu, Honorary Chairman of the Taiwan Vegetable and Fruit Exporters Association, pointed out that fruits and vegetables are not easy to preserve, and channel expansion is particularly crucial. Industry operators look forward to the measures from China bringing more sales opportunities. They hope that under the principle of mutual benefit, China will clearly establish inspection and quarantine regulations to ensure the smooth export of Taiwanese agricultural products. (Editor: Pan Yijing) 1150420
Stand with the facts, every sponsorship from you is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP to grasp the latest news in real time.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.