【台湾メディア】 台湾パイナップル、輸出先の99％が日本
Did you know that 99% of Taiwan's pineapple exports are now destined for Japan? Following China's import ban, Taiwan significantly shifted its export market to Japan. This move has been met with enthusiastic purchases from Japanese businesses and consumers, solidifying the pineapple as a symbol of Japan-Taiwan friendship.
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China's Import Ban on Taiwanese Pineapples
On February 26, 2021, the Chinese government suddenly announced it would halt imports of Taiwanese pineapples starting March 1 of the same year. The stated reason was the detection of pests such as "mealybugs" in Taiwanese pineapples. However, the Chinese customs had previously accepted fumigation and other pest control measures, leading to widespread interpretation that this unilateral action was driven more by political intentions than agricultural technical issues. At the time, Taiwan exported approximately 40,000 tons of pineapples to China annually, accounting for about 90% of Taiwan's total pineapple exports and making China its largest market. This import ban created an unprecedented crisis for Taiwanese farmers, as a large volume of pineapples had no market. China has long been wary of Taiwan's independence-leaning stance and has occasionally used agricultural import suspensions as economic leverage; this pineapple ban is seen as part of that pattern. This measure directly triggered the situation described in the article's title, where Taiwanese pineapple exports became concentrated in Japan. The Taiwanese government immediately launched measures to expand domestic consumption and promote exports to other countries, including Japan, the U.S., and Canada, seeking international support.
Pineapple Diplomacy (Fruit Diplomacy)
"Pineapple Diplomacy" is one of the diplomatic strategies adopted by Taiwan to gain international support and counter China's economic pressure, following China's import ban on Taiwanese pineapples. Specifically, it refers to Taiwan's government urging friendly nations to purchase and consume its pineapples, in response to which governments, businesses, and citizens of various countries (especially Japan) actively bought Taiwanese pineapples as "support consumption." In Japan's case, following Taiwan's request, Japanese importers and retailers actively increased their imports of Taiwanese pineapples, and many consumers purchased them out of feelings of "supporting Taiwan" and "returning a favor." For example, several major Japanese supermarkets and online stores set up special sections for Taiwanese pineapples and boosted their social media promotions. Some companies also made large-scale purchases for their employees. This "Pineapple Diplomacy" transcended mere agricultural trade, becoming a symbolic act where countries sharing common values demonstrated solidarity through economic ties amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Through this, Taiwan successfully opened new markets and enhanced its presence in the international community without succumbing to Chinese pressure.
Japan-Taiwan Relations
Although Japan and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic relations, they are bound by extremely strong ties due to historical backgrounds, geopolitical importance, and shared democratic values. Taiwan was once under Japanese rule, and its influence can still be seen in various aspects of culture and infrastructure today. Even after World War II, they have built close relationships through trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. Especially in recent years, a strong spirit of mutual assistance has been demonstrated; for instance, Taiwan donated a large sum of relief money during the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011), and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan provided vaccines to Taiwan, while Taiwan supplied masks to Japan. Geopolitically, the Taiwan Strait is extremely crucial as an international sea lane, and Taiwan's stability directly impacts Japan's security. The current case of Taiwanese pineapples can be seen as an extension of these deep Japan-Taiwan relations. Japan's swift demonstration of support for Taiwan against China's economic pressure is a testament to the strong trust and solidarity between the two regions. The background behind Japanese consumers purchasing pineapples not just because they are "delicious" but also with a desire to "support Taiwan" lies in the long-standing friendly relations between the two and a cultural foundation of helping each other in times of difficulty.