On the morning of September 9, the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office held its regular press conference, where spokesperson Chen Binhua addressed recent cross-strait hotspot issues in response to reporters' questions. A reporter noted that Taiwanese residents recently spotted mainland coffee brand Luckin Coffee Inc. bringing in materials and recruiting staff on Taipei streets, sparking heated discussions across the island. Taiwan's economic department subsequently required the local agent to file a special application through the "mainland investment channel," with observers suggesting that Luckin Coffee Inc. may face stricter scrutiny or hurdles when entering Taiwan.

The reporter also highlighted that Taiwan authorities have frequently imposed stringent reviews on mainland products and services entering the island, including iQiyi, Xiaohongshu, Luosifen (river snail rice noodles), Zhangxue motorcycles, and Luckin Coffee Inc., which is seen as negatively impacting cross-strait civilian consumption and business exchanges. The reporter asked for the mainland's stance on these developments.

Chen Binhua responded that the mainland welcomes Taiwanese compatriots using high-quality mainland goods and supports two-way investment and win-win cooperation between cross-strait enterprises. He criticized the Democratic Progressive Party authorities for deliberately obstructing and restricting mainland investment and product access out of narrow partisan interests, worsening the island's business environment, and harming the vital interests of Taiwanese people, calling it an unpopular political maneuver.

Where this leaves the issue

The remarks underscore the mainland's consistent position on fostering economic ties across the strait, while condemning actions that impede normal commercial exchanges. The spokesperson's statement reflects a broader concern over Taiwan's regulatory barriers affecting cross-strait trade dynamics.

What lies ahead for cross-strait business

Despite ongoing tensions, the mainland remains committed to promoting mutual economic benefits and facilitating the entry of quality mainland goods into Taiwan. The response signals that such obstacles could further strain relations, though the mainland continues to advocate for cooperation over confrontation.