Taiwan rebuffs China’s travel ban blame, cites openness

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In response to China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) attributing the inability of Chinese residents and students to travel or study in Taiwan to the policies of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Taiwanese officials have fired back, emphasizing Taiwan's openness and readiness for cross-strait exchanges.

The DPP's caucus secretary-general Rosalia Wu (吳思瑤) countered on Wednesday (May 22) by suggesting China should introspect its policies, highlighting that Taiwan is open while China remains closed.

Cross-Strait Relations Under Scrutiny

The debate comes amid accusations from China's TAO, which claimed that the DPP's policies are to blame for the restrictions faced by Chinese citizens wishing to visit or study in Taiwan.

DPP legislator Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) argued that the continued prohibition on Chinese students coming to Taiwan post-pandemic is unwarranted, pointing out that Taiwan has prepared for healthy, orderly, and reciprocal cross-strait exchanges. Hung pointed out that at the end of last year, the Taiwanese government made a breakthrough in policy by including Chinese students in the National Health Insurance system.

As Taiwan and China navigate these complex diplomatic waters, the focus remains on maintaining stability and fostering dialogue. Taiwan shows a clear readiness to engage in equitable exchanges despite challenges.