The Chinese mainland has sharply criticized Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for obstructing educational exchanges across the Taiwan Straits. In a press conference on Wednesday, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, labeled the DPP's actions as having \"reached an unprecedented and unscrupulous level.\"
Zhu's remarks respond to recent declarations by Taiwan authorities that have banned local universities from partnering with mainland institutions like Jinan University and Huaqiao University. Additionally, Taiwan has prohibited high schools from assisting students in enrolling in mainland universities, citing concerns over \"infiltration.\"
Rejecting these claims as \"ridiculous and absurd,\" Zhu emphasized that both Jinan University and Huaqiao University are esteemed institutions that have nurtured many outstanding students, including those from Taiwan. She accused the DPP of attempting to manipulate public opinion and limit students' access to higher education to further its independence agenda.
\"The DPP sees normal cross-Straits exchanges as a threat and labels student interactions as 'united front tactics,'\" Zhu stated. \"This is a blatant attempt to create an 'information cocoon' and escalate hostility between the two sides.\"
She also criticized the recent removal of a student leader at Taiwan University for allegedly accepting visits from mainland students and teachers, calling it another intimidation tactic from the DPP.
Zhu concluded by warning that efforts to suppress cross-Straits exchanges are unlikely to succeed, noting that young people on both sides of the strait support increased interaction and collaboration.
Reference(s):
Mainland slams DPP for blocking cross-Straits educational exchanges
cgtn.com
