It's DPP that is hurting Taiwan farmers

The General Administration of Customs on Monday suspended imports of pineapples from Taiwan, saying there are fears of some "pests" arriving with the fruits and threatening the Chinese mainland's agriculture.

However, instead of plugging their food safety loopholes, the island's ruling Democratic Progressive Party politicized the issue, blaming the mainland for "striking Taiwan pineapples".

Any hazardous substance or pest in imported foods or food products can prove disastrous. That is why the GAC took timely action and suspended the imports of pineapples. The DPP's reaction shows it has not spared a thought for its farmers or the safety of consumers on both sides of the Straits.

However, this is not the first time the DPP has done something like this. It has long been harming Taiwan residents' interests in order to please US politicians. Since the start of 2021, the DPP has lifted the earlier ban on US pork over the leanness-enhancing feed additive ractopamin.

The mainland has been helping Taiwan farmers by purchasing their products. In 2010, the mainland and Taiwan signed the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, under which the mainland introduced a zero-tariff policy on 18 agricultural products. Data from Taiwan show that more than 90 percent of Taiwan's pineapples are sold in the mainland, which makes it clear who is helping Taiwan farmers and who is harming their interests.

It is therefore contradictory when the DPP accuses the mainland of "striking Taiwan pineapples" while expecting the mainland to issue favorable policies. The island economy's dependence on the mainland is a big blow to the DPP's dream of seeking "Taiwan independence", and that's why it is blaming the mainland for its lapses.

By continuing to sacrifice the interests of the island's farmers, the DPP is trying the patience of Taiwan residents. It is time for the DPP to change course.

－CHINA MEDIA GROUP, VIA ITS WECHAT PUBLIC ACCOUNT KANTAIHAI