China’s mainland has announced plans to expand economic cooperation with Taiwan and provide more development opportunities for Taiwan residents and businesses. The commitment was announced on November  2026, during a regular press conference held by the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing.

Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, said the mainland would continue introducing policy measures aimed at strengthening economic integration across the Taiwan Strait and allowing Taiwan compatriots to benefit from China’s modernization process.

The announcement comes as China begins implementing its development priorities for the 2026–2030 period under the 15th Five-Year Plan.

New Opportunities for Taiwan Businesses

According to the spokesperson, the mainland intends to strengthen cross-strait economic and trade cooperation while creating a more favourable environment for Taiwan-funded companies.

The proposed efforts will focus on several areas, including investment opportunities, industrial cooperation, business development and stronger economic connections.

Chinese officials believe that Taiwan businesses could benefit from the mainland’s large domestic market, extensive industrial infrastructure and growing technological capabilities.

Zhang also stated that continued economic development and innovation on the mainland would create additional opportunities for Taiwan entrepreneurs and companies.

Focus on Industrial and Supply Chain Cooperation

Another important aspect of the announcement concerns industrial supply chains connecting businesses on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The spokesperson highlighted the importance of maintaining stable and resilient industrial connections, particularly as global manufacturers face changing economic conditions and supply chain challenges.

She also referred to recent production decisions involving Taiwan-based technology companies ASUS and Acer.

According to the mainland spokesperson, the companies had moved some production capacity from Thailand and Vietnam back to the Chinese mainland.

The development was presented as an example of the continuing industrial connections between Taiwan businesses and mainland manufacturing networks.

China’s 2026–2030 Development Priorities

The announcement is closely connected to China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which establishes the country’s major economic and development priorities for 2026–2030.

The plan places emphasis on economic restructuring, technological innovation, domestic consumption, industrial development and further opening-up.

Chinese officials believe these priorities will create additional opportunities for businesses operating across different sectors.

The mainland has also indicated that Taiwan-funded enterprises will be encouraged to participate in its high-quality economic development.

Promoting Cross-Strait Exchanges

Beyond business and investment, the announcement also highlighted the importance of increasing interaction between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Chinese officials expressed support for stronger exchanges in economic, commercial and social fields.

Such engagement could provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, professionals and other groups to develop closer connections.

However, political differences and disagreements over Taiwan’s status continue to influence cross-strait relations.

Economic Cooperation Amid Political Differences

Relations between mainland China and Taiwan remain politically sensitive, despite longstanding economic and commercial connections.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and promotes closer integration, while Taiwan’s political leadership maintains its own position on the island’s political status and future.

These differences continue to shape discussions about trade, investment, security and cross-strait exchanges.

Looking Ahead

The latest announcement signals Beijing’s intention to use economic development and industrial cooperation as important elements of its approach towards Taiwan.

For Taiwan businesses, access to mainland markets, manufacturing networks and technological opportunities could remain significant considerations in future investment decisions.

Whether the proposed initiatives lead to deeper economic integration will depend on their implementation, business confidence and the broader political environment across the Taiwan Strait.