Taiwanese authorities are sounding the alarm over China's recent pledge to increase imports of atemoya, a unique custard apple hybrid, from the island. Taiwan's agriculture ministry has publicly warned farmers about what it describes as a potential 'raise, trap, kill' strategy by Beijing, fearing that increased purchases could lead to economic dependence before unilateral restrictions are imposed, leaving producers vulnerable to market fluctuations.
The atemoya, known for its creamy white flesh and rough green exterior, is a significant agricultural product from Taiwan's Taitung county. China has historically been a key importer of this fruit. However, the Taiwanese agriculture ministry's concern stems from a pattern of behaviour observed previously, notably with Taiwanese pineapples. In 2021, China abruptly banned pineapple imports from Taiwan, citing pest concerns, a move widely interpreted on the island as economic coercion.
The ministry's statement highlighted that China had suspended atemoya imports in 2021, again citing pest issues, before partially resuming them in 2023 and then implementing new taxes on the fruit in 2024. Such actions, the ministry argues, create immense instability for the industry and expose farmers to substantial risks. Furthermore, there are reports that China is expanding its own cultivation of atemoya, which could pose a long-term threat to Taiwan's domestic industry.
The current debate intensified after Chinese companies, at a forum in Xiamen earlier this month, committed to purchasing more Taiwanese atemoyas, alongside other exports like fish and tea. This forum saw attendance from Taiwanese business leaders and opposition politicians, despite a ban on central government participation. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council has since indicated that officials who attended could face investigation.
In response to these concerns, Taiwan's agriculture ministry has stated its commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural development and ensuring stable incomes for farmers. This includes efforts to guide the atemoya industry towards diversified processing, such as producing frozen fruit products, purees, and even wines, to reduce reliance on single markets. However, some opposition lawmakers, including those from the Kuomintang party, have criticised these warnings, suggesting they politicise the industry and could ultimately harm Taiwanese farmers.
This situation underscores the broader geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Taipei. China views the self-governed island of Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force to achieve reunification. In recent years, China has increased its military drills near Taiwan, including simulations of blockades, alongside a range of non-military tactics perceived by observers as attempts to pressure the island.