Image Credit: Global Times
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for mainland China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, Chen Binhua, accused Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of obstructing the restoration of normalcy in cross-Strait tourism. Chen’s remarks came in response to a media inquiry concerning the current state of travel between Taiwan and the mainland.
Chen claimed that the DPP authorities, driven by their political interests, have consistently ignored the legitimate rights of Taiwan’s citizens and the tourism industry. He argued that the DPP’s reluctance to lift the travel ban on Taiwanese residents has been a recurring issue. According to Chen, this ongoing refusal to ease restrictions significantly hampers cross-Strait tourism.
The spokesperson emphasised that the DPP’s actions have not only affected the tourism sector but have also disregarded the broader interests of Taiwan’s populace. Chen further urged the DPP to address the concerns of Taiwan’s citizens and the tourism industry by removing what he described as unreasonable barriers against tourism groups travelling to the mainland.
This criticism highlights the growing tensions between Taiwan and mainland China over tourism policies, reflecting broader political and economic disputes. Chen’s statements underscore the mainland’s frustration with Taiwan’s handling of cross-Strait relations and its impact on travel and trade. The mainland government continues to push for a resolution that would facilitate smoother interactions and restore pre-existing travel conditions between the two regions.