Taiwan says Alibaba-linked e-commerce site a security risk

Taiwan declared an e-commerce platform linked to China’s Alibaba Group a potential security risk and told its operator Monday to register as a company from the rival mainland or dispose of its ownership stake.
The order adds to mounting pressure on Chinese companies in the United States and other countries over security concerns.
Taiwan and China split in 1949 during a civil war. They have no official relations but thriving trade and investment ties. Taiwan closely watches those links to avoid being dominated by its giant neighbor, which has threatened to invade the island.
Taobao Taiwan is operated by a separate company, British Claddagh Venture Investment Ltd., but Alibaba Group’s ownership stake in that company allows it to control the consumer-to-consumer platform in violation of Taiwanese rules, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said.