Taiwan denounces China's economic coercion and election interference

Taiwan has accused China of economic coercion and election interference after Beijing announced the end of tariff cuts on certain chemical imports from the island, claiming that Taiwan violated a trade agreement. The move comes ahead of Taiwan's presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13, which China has sought to influence. Taiwan's government and ruling party have accused China of interfering in the vote to ensure a favorable outcome for Beijing. China's Finance Ministry stated that tariff cuts will be suspended for 12 products starting January 1, citing trade restrictions imposed by Taiwan. Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations criticized China's "typical economic coercion" and called for talks under the World Trade Organization.