In a dramatic shift that has sent shockwaves across the region, Taiwan authorities under Lai Ching-te have unveiled 17 new strategies aimed at countering what they describe as a "hostile external force." These measures, which include strict registration requirements and limitations on cultural, academic, and religious exchanges, are already impacting long-established ties with the Chinese mainland.
Many in the creative and academic sectors are feeling the strain. Sun Di, a veteran organizer of cross-Straits art events, noted that some artists working at public educational institutions are now hesitant to attend events on the Chinese mainland for fear of potential career setbacks. These restrictions have made it challenging to secure timely approvals for cultural programs and have forced many organizers to reconsider their participation in mainland events.
The tourism industry, once buoyed by a steady influx of visitors from the Chinese mainland, is also reeling from the fallout. At a recent travel fair in Taipei, travel operators expressed deep concerns about dwindling numbers of mainland tourists. A Kinmen-based executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, recalled a time when the island thrived on mainland visitors—a trend that has now reversed, leaving tour operators and related service providers scrambling for alternatives.
The economic implications are just as profound. Taiwan has long benefited from robust trade ties with the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, with these regions contributing nearly 90 percent of its total trade surplus in 2024. Business leaders, including Taiwan entrepreneurs engaged in cross-Straits ventures, fear that the tightening of personal and professional exchanges may hamper economic growth and erode critical trade connections.
Meanwhile, voices across the community warn of a potential backlash. Some argue that by isolating Taiwanese professionals from the Chinese mainland, the restrictive policies might inadvertently spark greater curiosity about the mainland's markets, culture, and technological advancements. As the Chinese mainland continues to roll out preferential measures to attract Taiwan residents – from enhanced industrial cooperation to incentives for technological innovation – the divide between the two sides could deepen unless a more balanced approach is adopted.
Ultimately, the new policies pose difficult questions about the future of cross-Straits exchanges. With cultural roots and economic bridges at stake, many regional stakeholders are calling for a reconsideration of strategies to revive mutual understanding and shared prosperity in the face of mounting restrictions.
Reference(s):
Lai's restrictive policies send chills to cross-Straits exchanges
cgtn.com
