A spokesperson for the Chinese mainland issued a firm rebuke to Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on Wednesday, cautioning that 'those who forget their heritage will come to no good end.' The remarks followed criticism by the Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council of the second Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit, which concluded this week.
Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, dismissed claims that the summit was a politically motivated 'united front' event. She emphasized that cultural ties between people across the Taiwan Strait are rooted in shared ancestry, language, and traditions. 'We are one family with blood ties and a shared destiny,' Zhu stated, calling the summit a vital platform for fostering mutual understanding.
Over 800 cultural and academic representatives from both sides participated in the forum, themed 'inheritance, promotion, and development.' Zhu highlighted that many attendees from Taiwan expressed pride in their Chinese cultural identity and support for cross-strait dialogue. 'This is their right and freedom,' she said, framing such views as aligning with public aspirations for peace and cooperation.
The spokesperson accused the DPP of prioritizing separatist agendas over cultural unity, alleging that its attempts to suppress pro-dialogue voices expose 'authoritarianism under the guise of democracy.' The remarks underscore rising tensions as Beijing continues to advocate for closer cross-strait cultural integration.
