BEIJING, Oct 25 (Reuters) – Taiwanese firms ought to assume their social tasks and play a “positive role” in selling the peaceable growth of relations throughout the Taiwan Strait, China’s authorities mentioned on Wednesday, amid a probe into main Apple provider Foxconn.

China’s tax and land use investigations into Foxconn’s (2317.TW) operations there have been seized on by the frontrunner to be Taiwan’s subsequent president, Lai Ching-te, for instance of Chinese election interference and inserting undue strain on Taiwanese corporates who’ve invested billions into China.

The Chinese authorities has not formally confirmed the investigations, first reported by nationalistic, state-backed tabloid the Global Times on Sunday. China claims Taiwan as its personal territory.

Asked concerning the investigation at a routine information convention in Beijing, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, didn’t affirm the probe or confer with Foxconn.

“Relevant mainland departments treat all enterprises equally in accordance with the law and regulations, and it is a normal law enforcement act to carry out law-abiding investigations,” she mentioned.

China’s coverage of respecting, caring for and benefiting individuals from Taiwan is not going to change, and the federal government will as at all times assist Taiwanese businessmen and corporations to speculate and create a superb surroundings for his or her growth, Zhu mentioned.

She signalled China anticipated these firms to play a political position.

“While sharing development benefits and growth dividends on the mainland and achieving rapid development, Taiwan enterprises should also assume corresponding social responsibilities and play a positive role in promoting the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.”

Zhu didn’t elaborate.

On Tuesday, Taiwan Vice President Lai, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) candidate for president at January elections, hit out at China over its probe of Foxconn, saying Beijing ought to “cherish” Taiwanese firms and never put strain on them throughout an election.

China believes Lai, who’s main opinion polls, is a separatist bent on a proper declaration of independence. Lai says he’ll keep the established order with China, and has repeatedly provided talks which Beijing has rebuffed.

Zhu, in a step up of China’s assaults towards Lai, mentioned he was “duping people” by each making an attempt to “use weapons to seek independence” and in addition calling for dialogue.

“As pointed out by the media on the island, Lai Ching-te has now changing from a Taiwan independence maniac to a Taiwan independence liar,” she mentioned.

“This comment has hit the nail on the head and is appropriate. I believe that the majority of Taiwanese compatriots have a clear understanding of this.”

Foxconn shares closed up 0.7% on Wednesday, rebounding after two straight days of falls. The broader Taipei index (.TWII) ended 0.3% greater.

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