A Chinese media outlet has reported that Beijing's tax and other authorities inspected Chinese offices of Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry, also known as Foxconn.

The Global Times reported on Sunday that multiple offices of Hon Hai's subsidiaries across China had been subjected to tax audits and land use investigations.

The article cited an expert as saying that Taiwan-funded enterprises "should not only benefit from the development opportunities and dividends in the mainland but also shoulder corresponding social responsibilities."

The expert was also quoted as saying Taiwanese companies should play a positive role in promoting peaceful cross-strait relations.

Following the report, Hon Hai issued a statement saying it will actively cooperate with relevant authorities in their work.

Chinese officials have not provided the reasons or outcomes of the probe.

Beijing's move came as Hon Hai's founder, Terry Gou, announced that he will run in Taiwan's presidential election in January next year as an independent candidate. He is gathering the required number of signatures from eligible voters to be qualified.

Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te has pointed out the possibility of China's interference in the election. He plans to run as the presidential candidate for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

In a campaign speech on Sunday, Lai said Beijing should refrain from pressing Taiwanese companies to declare their political stances ahead of the election.