Taiwan Suffers Consequences from China Immediately After Nancy Pelosi Departs

China imposed economic sanctions on Taiwan in response to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s controversial visit to the island.

On Wednesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that Beijing would halt exports of natural sand to the country, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. Natural sand is a crucial ingredient for Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.

In addition to the export restrictions, China suspended imports of citrus fruits — including grapefruits, lemons and oranges — and fish products from Taiwan, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said.

Chinese authorities cited “excessive pesticide residues” and COVID-19 as reasons for the import restrictions, according to CNN.

“Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan has triggered the expected ire of Chinese authorities,” ING Group analysts said.

Taiwanese authorities, however, dismissed China’s export suspensions as having only a limited effect on its industry, adding that less than 1 percent of Taiwanese natural sand comes from China.

In response to Pelosi’s visit, China also announced military exercises starting Thursday in the South China Sea near Taiwanese territory. Pelosi departed the country on Wednesday.

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