TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) rejected Beijing’s plans to establish a Fuzhou-Matsu Industrial Cooperation Zone and to develop a pilot cross-strait market in Pingtan, China.  

MAC said Fuzhou and Pingtan are not primary investment destinations for Taiwanese, while Fujian only made up 0.03% of Taiwanese investment as of September, Liberty Times reported. 

The council noted the proposed zones align with China’s longstanding unification strategy, which is part of the broader policy framework established by the Chinese Communist Party at the 20th National Congress.

MAC said China’s economy faces significant challenges, including declining internal demand and a deteriorating business environment. According to the council, these new "integration incentives" are part of a broader attempt to attract Taiwanese capital, technology, and talent, with the underlying goal of using these resources to bolster China’s economy. 

The council called the approach unrealistic, asserting that it misrepresents the benefits to Taiwanese businesses and primarily aims to stimulate the Chinese economy.

Beijing has said the proposed industrial cooperation zone plan would make it easier for Taiwanese in Matsu to establish businesses in Fujian. It has pledged US$1.38 billion (NT$44 billion) each year to enhance business links and offer Matsu residents the same property rights as Chinese citizens. Fujian Province also seeks to entice young Matsu residents with educational exchange opportunities.