Beijing Urges Taiwan to Lift Import Ban on Mainland Motorcycles

Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office has called on Taiwan authorities to lift import restrictions on complete motorcycles manufactured in mainland China. The statement followed confirmation from Taiwan's economic department that complete mainland-built motorcycles remain barred under current customs classifications. The regulatory issue surfaced after mainland brand Zhangxue Motor expressed interest in opening stores in Taiwan. Beijing urged Taipei to accommodate consumer demand and remove what it characterized as unreasonable trade barriers.

The dispute highlights the friction between consumer interest in mainland manufactured goods and long-standing economic restrictions enforced by Taipei. It illustrates how commercial expansion by emerging mainland industrial brands collides with policy barriers governing cross-strait vehicle imports.

During a regular press conference held on July 22, 2026, Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) publicly responded to regulatory restrictions in Taiwan that prevent the import of complete motorcycles produced in mainland China [6a602f80b7627b1f924ab458]. The issue arose following reports that mainland Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Zhangxue Motor had expressed an intention to set up retail locations and conduct business in Taiwan [6a602f80b7627b1f924ab458]. When asked about the feasibility of the company opening stores on the island, Taiwan's economic department stated that under current Taiwanese customs import tariffs and regulations, complete motorcycles manufactured in mainland China are classified as prohibited mainland goods and cannot be lawfully imported [6a602f80b7627b1f924ab458]. In response to the stance taken by Taipei, TAO spokesperson Zhang Han highlighted the growing reputation of mainland vehicle manufacturers, noting that Zhangxue Motor has continuously achieved positive results in global professional motorsport competitions [6a602f80b7627b1f924ab458]. Zhang observed that an increasing number of Taiwanese compatriots have expressed interest in purchasing and riding Zhangxue motorcycles to experience the technological progress achieved in mainland China [6a602f80b7627b1f924ab458]. The spokesperson stated that mainland authorities welcome Taiwanese consumers using high-quality mainland products and participating in the shared achievements of Chinese modernization [6a602f80b7627b1f924ab458]. Zhang called on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taipei to align with public demand by removing unreasonable import restrictions at an early date, urging officials to undertake practical measures that serve the interests of Taiwan's populace [6a602f80b7627b1f924ab458]. The exchange underlines ongoing cross-strait trade tensions over product categories restricted by Taiwan, particularly regarding fully assembled vehicles and heavy industrial manufactured goods [6a602f80b7627b1f924ab458]. Beijing continues to urge Taipei to dismantle trade barriers to facilitate broader economic integration and consumer access across the Taiwan Strait [6a602f80b7627b1f924ab458].