Beijing, China — Mainland officials have called on Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to remove barriers hindering cross-Strait tourism and to facilitate the normalization of travel between the two sides.
Speaking at a press conference, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, expressed the mainland’s eagerness for residents, including those from Shanghai, to resume visits to Taiwan as soon as possible.
The remarks came after Shanghai announced plans at the 2024 Shanghai-Taipei City Forum to organize group tours for Shanghai residents to Taiwan. “We are pleased to see our residents travel to Taiwan again,” Chen said. “However, the root cause of obstacles to cross-Strait tourism lies in the policies of the DPP authorities.”
Chen urged the DPP to remove the barriers imposed on cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation. He noted that while the DPP lifted a ban on group tours to the mainland in March, the decision was reversed in June, and a Level-Orange travel alert to the mainland remains in place.
“The DPP authorities should address the concerns of the tourism industry and the people on the island,” Chen stated. “They need to take concrete measures to facilitate Taiwan residents’ travel to the mainland.”
Regarding upcoming travel seasons like the winter vacation and Spring Festival, Chen mentioned that mainland authorities have made plans and instructed airlines and airports to enhance travel services. “We will actively respond to the needs of cross-Strait travelers, especially Taiwan compatriots wishing to reunite with family or visit relatives,” he said. “We support airlines in increasing cross-Strait flights.”
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Mainland urges Taiwan's DPP not to obstruct cross-Straits tourism
cgtn.com
