China has previously rejected dialogue with Taiwan’s administration, keeping cross-strait engagement difficult amid ongoing political tensions and concerns about past election interference.

Beijing continues to refuse direct talks with Taiwan’s president and maintains the separatist label, while the Kuomintang welcomes overtures and calls for engagement based on equality, dignity, and mutual respect.

There was no immediate official comment from the Taiwan Affairs Office regarding Beijing’s proposals.

Taiwan’s National Security Bureau chief Tsai Ming-yen says the looser trade and tourism measures should be managed by the Taiwanese government to assess risk and avoid long-term consequences.

Tsai Ming-yen stresses government-led planning to guide exchanges with China and mitigate risks, rather than relying on private party-to-party talks.

China unveiled ten incentive measures for Taiwan, including easing tourist limits, allowing some TV dramas, and facilitating food sales, in response to a visit by Taiwan’s opposition leader, while reiterating that Beijing will not hold talks with President Lai Ching-te’s administration, whom it labels a separatist.

Taiwan’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not comment on the new measures at press time.

A security official argues that the government should lead engagement with China to better assess risks and coordinate exchanges amid Beijing’s new measures.

Tsai notes that China has historically used goodwill measures to influence Taiwan elections, as seen ahead of past elections, including local elections in November.

Taiwan is preparing for key local elections, with concerns about China attempting to sway voters through trade measures seen in prior campaigns.

China’s goodwill measures have historically targeted specific counties, cities, companies, industries, or individuals to interfere in Taiwan’s elections, according to Taiwan’s security assessments.

Taiwan reiterates that only its people can decide Taiwan’s future and rejects Beijing’s territorial claims, a stance shared across government branches amid rising cross-strait tensions.