TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China has blamed Taiwan for the breakdown in bilateral exchanges, accusing it of rejecting cross-strait dialogue and escalating tensions, an official familiar with cross-strait affairs said.
However, the official countered that Beijing is the real troublemaker. Despite sending military aircraft and ships around Taiwan, Beijing expects its delegations to be welcomed for exchanges, the official said, according to CNA. The delay of the Twin City Forum in December was attributed to China’s failure to finalize its guest list, not obstruction by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC).
China submitted a list of over 100 attendees for the forum, with over 90% approved by Taiwan. The few rejections were individuals from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office tasked with enforcing Beijing’s 22 guidelines against “Taiwan independence,” announced in June 2023, the official noted.
Regarding the ban on group tours to China, the official explained that the MAC has long wanted to lift the restriction. However, the introduction of the 22 guidelines made it impossible. Despite the ban, many Taiwanese find ways to visit China independently, the official said.
Taiwan remains committed to fostering mutual goodwill with China, the official added. If Beijing responds positively or engages in dialogue, the group tour ban could be lifted immediately, paving the way for further progress in cross-strait relations.