Chen Binghua Criticizes Taiwan Tech Restrictions

The US-Taiwan Agreement on Trade Relations (ART) will allow US peanuts to enter Taiwan with zero tariffs. Media personality Chao Shao-kang stated on Facebook that the government is using $500 billion in US investments to exchange for tariff concessions. Media personality Chao Shao-kang criticized the Democratic Progressive Party for using farmers as bargaining chips in trade negotiations with the United States. He noted reports that the government may relax imports of sprouted potatoes and that peanuts may face neighbor-state tariffs. He further alleged that future imports of American pork and beef might no longer be subject to specific scrutiny. Chao characterized these actions as selling out the country rather than conducting genuine negotiations. Politician Chang Shao-kang stated on Facebook that Taiwan-US tariff negotiations involve costs to the nation. Chang claimed these deals sacrifice Taiwan's agriculture and food safety, specifically citing the opening of markets for US peanuts and potatoes. He noted that Taiwan's peanut production cost exceeds 100 TWD per kilogram, while US costs are under 50 TWD per kilogram. He stated that 261 agricultural products, including orchids and tea, could potentially enter the US market with zero tariffs. The Ministry of Agriculture plans to assist producers through production traceability and carbon footprint labeling to upgrade industry standards. Chen Binghua criticized the Democratic Progressive Party authorities for implementing anti-China and anti-technology measures.