Taiwanese Businessman’s Pro-China Speech Deepens Cross-Strait Tensions

A speech by Zhang Linghe, founder of the Taiwan-based Pursuit Of Jade, has become the latest flashpoint in cross-Strait relations, deepening divisions over economic ties and political messaging between Beijing and Taipei.

Zhang’s remarks at a forum in Taipei on June 18, where he called for “peaceful coexistence” and “economic integration” with China, were immediately seized upon by both sides. Beijing’s state media amplified the speech as evidence of growing Taiwanese business support for closer ties, while Taiwanese officials and pro-independence groups dismissed it as a calculated move by a single entrepreneur—one that risks inflaming tensions in an election year.

According to The Straits Times, Zhang’s comments—delivered at an event organized by the Taiwan Business Association for China—contrasted sharply with Taipei’s official stance. The speech came as Beijing has intensified efforts to woo Taiwanese businesses through economic incentives, even as it tightens political restrictions on exchanges. Zhang’s call for “solid progress in cross-Strait integrated development” echoed language used by Chinese officials, including top political advisor Wang Huning, who last week urged “peaceful development of cross-Strait relations” at the CPPCC National Committee.

Why Zhang’s Speech Has Sparked Backlash

Pro-independence lawmakers in Taiwan condemned Zhang’s remarks as a betrayal of democratic values, pointing to his company’s ties to Chinese state-backed initiatives. The South China Morning Post reported that Zhang’s Pursuit Of Jade has benefited from Chinese government contracts, including a controversial atemoya fruit purchase deal that Taiwanese officials have accused of being a thinly veiled political tool. The deal, which saw Chinese state media highlight the purchase as a sign of economic cooperation, has become a symbol of Beijing’s efforts to normalize trade under the guise of commercial activity.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) declined to comment directly on Zhang’s speech but reiterated its stance that cross-Strait economic ties must be “balanced and mutually beneficial.” A MAC spokesperson told Focus Taiwan that while private sector exchanges are welcome, “political interference in economic activities is unacceptable.” The statement underscored Taipei’s long-standing concern that Beijing uses business engagements to advance its unification agenda.

Beijing’s Push for Economic Leverage

Zhang’s speech aligns with a broader Chinese strategy to leverage economic ties as a tool for political influence. In a speech at the Straits Forum on June 17, Chinese officials reiterated calls for “peaceful reunification,” framing economic cooperation as a prerequisite for stability. The Xinhua News Agency reported that top advisor Wang Huning emphasized that “integrated development” would require Taiwanese businesses to engage with mainland markets, a message Zhang echoed.

However, Taiwanese officials and analysts warn that Beijing’s approach risks backfiring. “This is not about economics—it’s about politics,” said Chen Ming-tong, a professor at National Chengchi University’s Institute of International Relations. “When a single businessman starts speaking like a Chinese diplomat, it undermines Taiwan’s sovereignty narrative.” Chen noted that Zhang’s remarks came just days after Beijing tightened restrictions on Taiwanese visitors to China, including bans on certain cultural and academic exchanges.

How Taiwan’s Election Year Is Shaping the Response

The timing of Zhang’s speech has added fuel to Taiwan’s highly charged political environment ahead of the January 2027 presidential and legislative elections. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has framed its campaign around resistance to Chinese pressure, while the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) has sought to position itself as a more pragmatic voice on cross-Strait relations. Zhang’s comments have given the DPP ammunition to accuse the KMT of being soft on Beijing.

KMT lawmaker Jason Hu defended Zhang’s remarks, stating that “economic cooperation should not be politicized.” However, the DPP’s response has been swift. “When a Taiwanese businessman starts parroting Beijing’s talking points, it’s a clear signal that our economic sovereignty is under threat,” said DPP legislator Lin Chia-lung in a statement to Focus Taiwan.

Public opinion in Taiwan remains deeply divided. A poll by the Election Study Center at National Chengchi University released earlier this month found that 58% of respondents oppose closer economic ties with China, citing concerns over political influence. Only 22% supported Zhang’s call for “integrated development,” with many questioning whether such cooperation would come at the cost of Taiwan’s autonomy.

What Happens Next?

Beijing is unlikely to back down from its economic engagement strategy, particularly as it seeks to counter U.S. influence in the region. Analysts expect more high-profile Taiwanese business figures to be courted by Chinese officials, with speeches and deals framed as evidence of “peaceful coexistence.” However, Taiwan’s government is prepared to respond with legal and diplomatic measures if economic activities are perceived as serving political ends.

The MAC has signaled that it will monitor Zhang’s company for any violations of Taiwan’s foreign investment laws, particularly if Pursuit Of Jade’s contracts with Chinese state entities are found to involve sensitive technologies or dual-use goods. “We will not tolerate economic activities that compromise national security,” the MAC spokesperson stated.

For now, Zhang’s speech has exposed the fragile balance between economic pragmatism and political resistance in cross-Strait relations. While Beijing sees opportunities to deepen ties, Taiwan’s leaders and public remain wary of any move that could erode sovereignty—making Zhang’s remarks a test case for how far economic cooperation can go before it becomes a political liability.