China’s business programs reached over 40,000 Taiwanese in double-pronged expansion tactic

According to a study carried out by the Taiwan Information Environment Research Center (IORG), Beijing has unleashed its dual strategy against Taiwan, which combines attractive economic prospects with political and military pressure. 

The approach China has taken has been described as a “carrot and stick” tactic, and its main aim is to influence the opinion of the Taiwanese people in hopes that they will be able to convince their government to stop resisting China, which views the democratically governed Taiwan as its own despite local objections.

Taiwan is worried about China’s dual tactic

According to a study released on Tuesday, about 40,000 Taiwanese participated in industry events supported by the Chinese government in 2024 as Beijing continues to threaten it with the prospect of military action while courting those it believes support talks of unification.

China’s carrot-and-stick method has been in effect for quite some time now, but it has always failed. The Taiwanese people have become more certain about remaining independent from Beijing, according to polls. They are also not too bothered with the geo-politics as Beijing has been trying to reclaim Taiwan since 1949.

Of course, this time, China’s efforts to reclaim Taiwan look more serious than ever, as it is not just carrying out a charm offensive like it did in 2014 when it thought the Taiwan government was amenable to reunification or at least not clamoring for separation.

This time, China is pairing the charm offensive, which aims to sway Taiwanese professionals and businesses toward closer integration with China, with military and political pressure events like the recent two-day war games it held around Taiwan after live fire drills.

#China’s unmarked vessels operating in #Taiwan’s🇹🇼 maritime zones mark a new phase of gray zone aggression—testing our defenses & coveting our resources. #PRC’s tactics threaten all nations committed to maritime security & sovereignty. (📸CGA) https://t.co/5Lk6r2r47V pic.twitter.com/RcjjG8Y5fq

— 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) March 26, 2025

Taiwan security officials seem to be more wary of these influence campaigns to sway public opinion than the military pressure, especially since Taipei and Beijing have gradually resumed travel links severed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since those links reopened, about 400 events have attracted Taiwanese people to events supported or organized by government units across China, according to the study by Taiwan Information Environment Research Center (IORG), a Taiwan-based non-government organization.

IORG’s research analyzed more than 7,300 articles posted by a news portal run by China’s top Taiwan policy maker, the Taiwan Affairs Office to make these findings. The research revealed the number of Taiwanese attending these events in China represented a 3% increase from 2023, and agriculture, tourism and biotechnology and medical industries were among the top sectors.

Taiwan is taking measures to resist Beijing

Taiwanese authorities know the influence campaigns are there to sway public opinion and have been monitoring Chinese activities, including quasi-governmental organizations and students on the island.

The government has also been encouraging economic diversification to reduce its reliance on China, with initiatives like the New Southbound Policy, which aim to boost relations with Southeast Asia and other regions.

#Taiwan🇹🇼 is investing in indigenous drone systems & independent supply chains. The goal is to build a credible deterrent in the #TaiwanStrait that no aggressor would dare test. This asymmetric defense strategy reflects our resolve to safeguard sovereignty & democracy. (📸MND) https://t.co/gmVcrRxV6G pic.twitter.com/VeBhhU7KnE

— 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) April 16, 2025

China is aware that it is a high-value trade partner for the island, which depends on exports to thrive. That’s why it continues to use economic inducements and cross-strait integration to consolidate economic dependence while using military tactics to pressure the government.

For now, Taiwan still has significant economic ties to Beijing, which means there will be challenges if it attempts to decouple.

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