TAIPEI (TVBS News) — China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Monday (Oct. 9) a three-month extension to its trade barrier investigation into Taiwan's trade restrictions toward the mainland.
Originally scheduled to conclude on Oct. 12, the complexities of the case necessitated the extension, according to Chinese authorities, which will end their investigation on Jan. 12, 2024, a day before Taiwan's 2024 general elections.
The investigation, sanctioned under the Foreign Trade Law and the Foreign Trade Barrier Investigation Rules of the People's Republic of China (PRC), was initially decreed in the Ministry's 11th Announcement on Apr. 12, 2023.
During the April announcement, the Ministry targeted 2,455 items blocked by Taiwan from mainland importation. Items under investigation include agricultural products, petrochemicals, and textiles.
The extended analysis will likely intensify cross-strait relations in the lead-up to Taiwan's crucial elections next year.