Mainland China has called on Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to remove barriers hindering cross-Strait travel, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting families and fostering cultural exchange.
On Friday, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, addressed concerns over travel obstructions between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. He highlighted that since 2020, the DPP has banned mainland residents from visiting Taiwan and prohibited local travel agencies from organizing group tours to the mainland, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason.
“Despite the easing of the pandemic, the DPP authorities continue to ignore calls from the tourism industry and the Taiwanese people to lift these restrictions,” Chen stated. “They have even escalated travel alerts for Taiwan residents traveling to the mainland.”
Chen reaffirmed the mainland’s commitment to enhancing cross-Strait relations, expressing readiness to take active measures to expand residents’ travel to Taiwan, provided the DPP authorities cease obstructing exchanges.
Earlier this year, the mainland resumed travel for residents of Fujian Province to Kinmen and Matsu, two islands close to the mainland but administered by Taiwan. As of October 31, mainland immigration authorities processed 58,735 travel permit applications for these destinations, signaling a strong interest in rekindling ties.
This appeal comes at a time when many on both sides of the Strait are eager to reconnect after years of pandemic-induced separation. Easing travel restrictions could pave the way for improved relations and mutual understanding between the mainland and Taiwan.
Reference(s):
DPP authorities responsible for cross-Strait travel obstacles
cgtn.com
