The Chinese mainland has strongly criticized recent policy changes by Taiwan authorities that tighten travel regulations for public servants visiting the mainland, calling them a deliberate attempt to undermine cross-strait relations. The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council issued the rebuke during a December 17 press conference, marking the latest development in ongoing political friction.
Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian condemned amendments to Taiwan's travel permit measures that reduce eligible kinship categories for family visits and impose stricter application timelines. "This is another nefarious act by the DPP authorities to obstruct normal cross-strait communication," Zhu stated, emphasizing that the changes particularly affect public sector workers seeking to visit relatives or attend funerals.
The revised rules narrow eligible family connections from fourth-degree to third-degree relatives and require seven-day advance applications for certain officials. Analysts suggest this could impact thousands of Taiwan residents with mainland ties during the upcoming Lunar New Year period.
Zhu reiterated Beijing's commitment to maintaining cross-strait exchanges despite what she called "provocative restrictions" by Taiwan authorities. The spokesperson warned that such measures risk further straining relations while disregarding the welfare of Taiwan compatriots with mainland connections.
