Taiwan official's 'Taiwanese don't eat soursop' remark sparks debate

A recent statement by a Taiwanese official regarding pineapple soursop has ignited debate, with many Taiwanese people agreeing that the fruit is not widely consumed domestically due to its high sweetness.

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Pineapple soursop is a product that Taiwanese people almost don't eat and completely rely on the Chinese Communist Party's nose.

Leung Wen-chieh, deputy minister of the Mainland Affairs Council, stated at a press conference that pineapple soursop is a product "that Taiwanese people almost don't eat and completely rely on the Chinese Communist Party's nose." This remark quickly drew criticism for being out of context.

However, Leung later clarified on Threads that his original point was about the insufficient domestic consumption of pineapple soursop, forcing reliance on the Chinese market and providing Beijing with a political tool. He expressed concern that farmers could fall into a "raise, trap, kill" scenario. He hopes this controversy will encourage people to buy and eat more pineapple soursop, reducing external dependence.

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The fundamental problem of pineapple soursop is insufficient domestic consumption, forcing us to rely on the Chinese market, which also gives the other side a political tool to utilize.

Leung drew a comparison to dragon fruit, which has become a staple in Taiwan with high per capita consumption, leading to minimal exports. He believes pineapple soursop can achieve similar success, ensuring stable farmer incomes and independence from China. "Dragon fruit can do it, I believe pineapple soursop can too," he stated, emphasizing the need for sustained domestic consumption habits beyond fleeting political attention.

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Dragon fruit can do it, I believe pineapple soursop can too.