The Chinese mainland criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in the Taiwan region on Friday for creating barriers to cross-strait tourism and cultural exchanges, accusing them of ignoring public sentiment and local economic interests. The rebuke came after Taiwan authorities stalled applications for inspection tours submitted by mainland travel agencies.
Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, stated that the DPP's insistence on bureaucratic negotiations between cross-strait tourism associations was a 'weak excuse' to block mainland tourists. 'These applications reflect our proactive commitment to rebuilding ties, but political obstruction harms the island’s tourism industry and residents,' Zhu said.
The conflict follows a January announcement by the Chinese mainland to resume group tours from Fujian Province and Shanghai to Taiwan. Tourism operators in both areas submitted applications, which Taiwan authorities claimed required 'further discussions' through specific channels.
Zhu emphasized that cross-strait tourism organizations could collaborate effectively once travel resumes, urging the DPP to 'prioritize public welfare over political calculations.' Analysts suggest the dispute highlights growing frustrations among Taiwan’s tourism sector, which has faced economic challenges since pandemic-era travel restrictions.
Reference(s):
Mainland slams Taiwan's DPP for obstructing cross-Straits tourism
cgtn.com
