Beijing, China — Mainland China has criticized Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for allegedly obstructing mainland participation in the upcoming 2024 Shanghai-Taipei City Forum. The move resulted in several delegates and journalists being excluded from the event.
Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office, expressed strong disapproval on Tuesday. “The actions taken by the DPP authorities are unreasonable and widely unpopular,” she stated, emphasizing the mainland’s commitment to fostering cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation.
The Shanghai-Taipei City Forum, held alternately between the two cities since 2010, serves as a significant platform for dialogue and collaboration. Despite the challenges, this year’s forum featured meaningful discussions, culminating in the signing of two memoranda of understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation.
During the forum’s opening ceremony, Hua Yuan, Deputy Mayor of Shanghai, highlighted the city’s intention to promote group tours for Shanghai residents to Taiwan. In response, Zhu reaffirmed the mainland’s support for normalizing cross-Straits exchanges, including tourism. “We look forward to the early resumption of travel to Taiwan for mainland residents, including those from Shanghai,” she said, urging the DPP authorities to lift restrictions hindering cooperation.
The mainland’s call to action reflects a desire to strengthen ties and build bridges between the two sides. As young people and future leaders, teenagers and young adults across the Global South may find inspiration in efforts to promote dialogue and understanding despite political obstacles.
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China's Mainland slams DPP for obstructing Shanghai-Taipei City Forum
cgtn.com
