57% of Taiwan's Trade at Risk: The Economic Impact of Potential Chinese Curbs

Taiwan’s largest port, Kaohsiung, handles 57% of the island’s maritime trade. Historically, trade has been a significant aspect of Taiwan’s economy, attracting various groups including Chinese settlers, Portuguese explorers, Japanese colonialists, and the Dutch East India Company. In 1662, Chinese authorities demolished Fort Zeelandia, the main Dutch stronghold, and expelled the merchants. Despite such actions, trade continued to flourish. About 200 years later, the British demanded that Kaohsiung be opened to European ships. Today, there are ongoing concerns that China might attempt to restrict Taiwan’s international commerce, which could have substantial economic repercussions for the island.

Source: www.economist.com