China appears to be more focused on expanding its power than addressing its own economic problems, a senior Taiwanese official said early this week. The comment came from the Taiwan Economic Affairs Office (TEAO), which is the part of the government that handles trade and investment.
The statement was made in Taipei, where the TEAO officials met with visiting business leaders. They talked about how China’s economy has slowed in recent years and how that could affect cross‑border trade. Yet, the Taiwanese representative said China’s strategy seems to be driven more by a desire to increase its influence in the Asia‑Pacific region than by pure economic logic.
“China’s recent moves show a clear pattern of seeking to expand its reach,” the Taiwanese spokesperson said. “The economic challenges that China faces are real, but they appear not to be the main driver behind China’s current actions.”
The comment echoes long‑standing concerns in Taiwan that Beijing’s policy goals extend beyond the domestic market. In recent months, China has stepped up military pressure on Taiwan, testing the resolve of the island’s democratic government. At the same time, Taiwan has been actively seeking new trade partners in order to reduce its economic dependence on China.
Taiwan’s economic officials continue to push for stronger ties with other countries, especially in the U.S., Japan and the European Union. They argue that diversifying trade could help protect Taiwan from any future economic swings caused by China’s policy changes.
The Taiwanese mission also highlighted the need for clear communication. “We want to avoid missteps that could be mistaken for aggression while still standing firm on our economic priorities,” the spokesperson said. “Clear dialogue is the best way to keep the cross‑strait relationship stable.”
Experts note that China’s recent half‑year trade data shows a decline in exports, while foreign investment growth is slowing. Nevertheless, Beijing’s political leadership remains committed to a quiet, incremental shift in regional influence, according to analysts.
As Taiwan continues to brace itself against China’s growing power, decision makers on both sides are closely watching market trends and political developments. The overall message: China’s priorities seem to be inflation of influence rather than rectifying domestic economic woes, making the cross‑strait relationship one to watch closely in the coming months.
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