The Chinese mainland has strongly criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan for obstructing educational cooperation across the Taiwan Straits. At a press conference on Wednesday, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, condemned the DPP’s recent actions.
Zhu described the DPP authorities’ measures as having “reached an unprecedented and unscrupulous level.” Her remarks came after Taiwan’s education authorities announced a ban on local universities collaborating with mainland institutions, including prominent schools like Jinan University and Huaqiao University. Additionally, high schools in Taiwan have been prohibited from helping students enroll in universities on the Chinese mainland, with the DPP citing fears of “infiltration.”
Rejecting these allegations as “ridiculous and absurd,” Zhu emphasized the esteemed reputation of Jinan University and Huaqiao University, noting their history of cultivating exceptional talent, including students from Taiwan. She accused the DPP of attempting to manipulate public opinion and limit students’ rights to higher education to further its agenda.
“Normal cross-Straits exchanges are being portrayed as threats, and student interactions are labeled as ‘united front tactics,'” Zhu stated. “Such actions aim to create an ‘information cocoon’ and intensify hostility between the two sides.”
Zhu also highlighted a recent incident where a student leader at a university in Taiwan was removed from their position for allegedly hosting visiting students and teachers from the mainland, calling it another intimidation tactic by the DPP authorities.
She warned that efforts to suppress educational exchanges across the Taiwan Straits would not succeed, as there is strong support for increased interaction among people on both sides, especially young students. “The desire for communication and cooperation cannot be stifled,” Zhu asserted.
The ongoing tensions have raised concerns about the impact on educational opportunities for students in Taiwan. Many young people are voicing their frustration over the restrictions, hoping for more open exchanges that will benefit their future prospects.
