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CHINA has determined that Taiwan's imposition of a ban on Chinese imports constitutes a trade barrier, with this decision coinciding just a month before the self-governing island's crucial presidential election, reports Bloomberg.
The announcement, made by China's Ministry of Commerce, follows an investigation initiated in April when Taiwan prohibited the import of over 2,500 Chinese products.
Originally scheduled to conclude on January 12, a day before the Taiwan election that holds significant implications for its relations with Beijing, the review process has raised tensions.
Although China did not specify the measures it might undertake following this determination, Taiwan has expressed concerns that the timing of the investigation implies political motivations to influence the election.
Taiwan's restrictions cover a spectrum of Chinese goods, including food, petrochemicals and textiles.
In response to China's action, Taipei asserted that Beijing should cease its "political manipulation", according to the Office of Trade Negotiations.
Taiwan argued that the probe violates World Trade Organisation principles and that both sides should engage in talks following international rules to address disputes.
China's decision could have ramifications for the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, a trade deal inked between Taiwan, under former President Ma Ying-jeou, and China in 2010.
This agreement reduced tariffs on 500 Taiwanese products.
Any termination of this deal could significantly impact Taiwan's exports and exert a drag on economic growth, reported Taiwan's Central News Agency.
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