Taiwan Council Rejects 'Smear' Editorial, Blames China for Obstructing Exchanges

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) issued a strong rebuttal to an editorial published in the China Times newspaper, labeling it a "smear" and asserting that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the true obstacle to cross-strait exchanges. The MAC emphasized its role as a "gatekeeper" for national security, while accusing Beijing of erecting political barriers that hinder healthy and orderly interactions.

The council reiterated its commitment to promoting cross-strait exchanges based on principles of equality, dignity, and without preconditions. However, it argued that the MAC's policies are necessary responses to the CCP's escalating pressure on Taiwan, which aims to undermine Taiwan's sovereignty and democratic way of life. The MAC accused the CCP of using various exchanges as a guise for united front tactics and imposing political prerequisites, thus acting as the "roadblock" to genuine dialogue.

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The Mainland Affairs Council is the gatekeeper for national security, and the CCP setting up political roadblocks to obstruct cross-strait exchanges is the roadblock.

As an example, the MAC pointed to the CCP's six-year suspension of mainland students pursuing degrees in Taiwan, despite Taiwan's continued support for cultural and educational exchanges. The council also criticized the CCP's "weaponization" of agricultural trade, using it as a tool for political pressure. The MAC warned Taiwanese businesses against relying on the CCP's "goodwill," which it stated often carries political motives and inherent risks.

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The CCP's use of my agricultural products' sales to the mainland as a weapon against Taiwan!

Regarding tourism and aviation, the MAC stated that Taiwan has opened 28 cross-strait flight destinations and is regularly reviewing operations. For Chinese tourist arrivals, the council cited concerns about market chaos, the "one-stop" monopoly model harming local businesses, and the impact on Taiwanese residents' quality of life. The MAC stressed the need for institutionalized communication through a "mini two councils" system to ensure orderly tourism development.

The MAC concluded by denouncing the editorial for misrepresenting the government's actions, which it described as necessary measures to protect national sovereignty and security. The council vowed to continue preventing "fake exchanges" and "real united front" activities, asserting its duty to safeguard Taiwan's interests against the CCP's ambitions.

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The government has the obligation to explain the risks to the public, and the international community has also issued warnings. Some media should not maliciously smear and reverse cause and effect.