China's Ministry of Commerce says it has determined that Taiwan's restrictions on imports from China constitute trade barriers.

The ministry announced on Friday the results of an investigation into whether Taiwan's restrictions on imports of about 2,500 agricultural, industrial and other items from China could be considered trade barriers. The ministry launched the probe in April.

The reasons it gave for its conclusion were that Taiwan has set up a system that only allows imports from China when there are permits. It also said Taiwan's procedures for Chinese imports lack transparency, with no explanations provided to affected firms.

The Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council said Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party is unilaterally imposing restrictions on Chinese imports. It said it supports the relevant authorities to study and take corresponding measures.

Taiwan is scheduled to hold its presidential election in January next year.

China is apparently trying to make the anti-Beijing Democratic Progressive Party look like it is distorting trade, with the intention of applying political pressure.

Taiwan said the one-sided investigation is politically motivated and unacceptable.