News Analysis China banned the import of pineapples from Taiwan and beef and cotton from Australia for political reasons. However, China’s overall reliance on goods from the two countries continues to expand, with its increasing import of chips and minerals. According to China’s General Administration of Customs on Jan. 14, imports in 2021 from Taiwan increased by 24.7 percent year-on-year, which kept Taiwan as first among importing countries (regions). Similarly, China’s imports from Australia increased by 40 percent year-on-year, despite China’s restrictions on some goods. Official statistics show that in 2021, the highest total amount of goods China imported was from Taiwan at about $249 billion, followed by Korea at $213 billion, and Japan at $205 billion. The United States at $179 billion, and Australia at $164 billion ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. The trade deficit between China and Taiwan was $171.6 billion, which also ranks first, meaning Taiwan has …