China Criticizes Taiwan's Delay in Resuming Cross-Strait Tourism
Mainland authorities assert that political motives are hindering the restoration of tourism links.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Chinese mainland criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan for what they claim is a lack of sincerity in restoring cross-Strait tourism.
Zhu Fenglian, representing the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, stated that the DPP has been the principal barrier to the resumption of tourism connections between the mainland and Taiwan.
According to Zhu, the delay is not due to inadequate communication between tourism organizations but rather political maneuvering by the DPP.
Tourism operators from Fujian Province and Shanghai Municipality have submitted applications aiming to visit Taiwan.
These visits are intended for market research that could facilitate the resumption of tours for residents of Fujian and Shanghai.
However, the DPP has maintained that discussions about mainland tourism to Taiwan, including these proposed tours, should occur between the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association and the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits based in the mainland.
Zhu emphasized that the mainland does not object to these discussions taking place once tourism is reinstated.
Furthermore, she urged that if Taiwan asserts it is prepared to welcome mainland tourists, the DPP should permit inspection groups to visit without further delays.
Zhu accused the DPP of prioritizing political considerations over facilitating travel for mainland visitors, suggesting that their actions indicate a lack of genuine commitment to restoring tourism.
In addition to criticizing the DPP's stance on tourism, Zhu condemned their refusal to issue entry permits for Shanghai delegates invited to the 2025 Taipei Lantern Festival.
She described this decision as a political obstruction that undermines cultural exchanges between the two regions.
Zhu called for the DPP to eliminate restrictions on cross-Strait exchanges and urged them to take concrete steps to enable mainland tourists to visit Taiwan.
The ongoing situation reflects the complex political dynamics affecting tourism and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.
Zhu Fenglian, representing the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, stated that the DPP has been the principal barrier to the resumption of tourism connections between the mainland and Taiwan.
According to Zhu, the delay is not due to inadequate communication between tourism organizations but rather political maneuvering by the DPP.
Tourism operators from Fujian Province and Shanghai Municipality have submitted applications aiming to visit Taiwan.
These visits are intended for market research that could facilitate the resumption of tours for residents of Fujian and Shanghai.
However, the DPP has maintained that discussions about mainland tourism to Taiwan, including these proposed tours, should occur between the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association and the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits based in the mainland.
Zhu emphasized that the mainland does not object to these discussions taking place once tourism is reinstated.
Furthermore, she urged that if Taiwan asserts it is prepared to welcome mainland tourists, the DPP should permit inspection groups to visit without further delays.
Zhu accused the DPP of prioritizing political considerations over facilitating travel for mainland visitors, suggesting that their actions indicate a lack of genuine commitment to restoring tourism.
In addition to criticizing the DPP's stance on tourism, Zhu condemned their refusal to issue entry permits for Shanghai delegates invited to the 2025 Taipei Lantern Festival.
She described this decision as a political obstruction that undermines cultural exchanges between the two regions.
Zhu called for the DPP to eliminate restrictions on cross-Strait exchanges and urged them to take concrete steps to enable mainland tourists to visit Taiwan.
The ongoing situation reflects the complex political dynamics affecting tourism and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.
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