The Chinese mainland has called on Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to remove obstacles hindering the normalization of cross-Strait tourism, urging the creation of favorable conditions for travelers between both sides.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, expressed the mainland’s readiness to see its residents, including those from Shanghai, resume travel to Taiwan as soon as possible.
At the 2024 Shanghai-Taipei City Forum, Shanghai announced plans regarding group tours for Shanghai residents to Taiwan. Chen highlighted that the policies implemented by the DPP authorities are the root cause of the current impediments to cross-Strait tourism.
“The DPP authorities should remove the barriers they have imposed on cross-Strait exchange and cooperation as soon as possible,” Chen stated, emphasizing the need for concrete actions.
In March, the DPP authorities lifted a ban on group tours to the mainland but reversed the decision in June, maintaining a Level-Orange alert for travels to the mainland. This alert continues to affect tourism flows between the two sides.
Chen urged the DPP authorities to address the concerns of the tourism industry and the people in Taiwan, taking tangible measures to facilitate Taiwan residents’ travel to the mainland.
Regarding cross-Strait flights during the upcoming winter vacation and Spring Festival, Chen noted that mainland authorities have made relevant plans and instructed airlines and airports to provide better and more convenient travel services.
“The mainland authorities will actively respond to the needs of cross-Strait travelers, especially Taiwan compatriots who want to return to Taiwan for family reunions or visit relatives on the mainland,” Chen said, affirming support for airlines in increasing cross-Strait flights.
Reference(s):
Mainland urges Taiwan's DPP not to obstruct cross-Straits tourism
cgtn.com
