The tensions between China and Taiwan have reached a new height post United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the northwestern Pacific island. A Reuters report suggests that in keeping with the Chinese government’s lines, mainland companies are now trying to scale down ties or businesses they have with their Taiwanese counterparts. This comes in the wake of China already implementing economic measures against Taiwan and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continuing its drills around the island.

Foshan Haitian Flavoring and Food Co Ltd, a prominent soy sauce company, revealed on Saturday that it has dismissed an employee who had apparently celebrated Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. Matthews International Capital Management, a capital management company, had also been the subject of criticism when rumours spread that it was founded by Pelosi’s husband. The company later clarified that the allegation was “factually incorrect”.

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The founder of Taiwanese company United Microelectronics Corp, Robert Tsao, was under fire after reports surfaced that he had pledged a donation of around $3 million USD to Taiwan. The company quickly distanced itself from Tsao, clarifying that “Mr Tsao retired from UMC more than 10 years ago. He has nothing to do with UMC”.

Not only Chinese, but American brands like Apple have also been taking measures so as not to invoke the wrath of the Chinese government. Nikkei, a Japanese publication, reports that Apple has asked its suppliers to label products made in Taiwan as being made in ‘Taiwan, China’ or ‘Chinese Taipei’.

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Snickers, the candy brand, also had to apologise for an advertisement which seemed to suggest that Taiwan is a free country.

Notably, Chinese state-affiliated media house, Global Times, recently published an editorial that read, “It can be expected that if any ties of interest with China can be found in the business activities of Pelosi and her immediate family members, they will definitely be cut off”.