Tensions flared this week as a Chinese mainland spokesperson accused Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of sabotaging cultural ties by blocking delegates and journalists from the 2024 Shanghai-Taipei City Forum. The annual event, a rare bridge between the two cities since 2010, faced fresh roadblocks despite signing new cooperation deals this year.
\"The DPP's actions harm the interests of Taiwan people and cross-strait relations,\" said Zhu Fenglian of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, emphasizing that the forum still produced two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to boost urban collaboration.
Shanghai's deputy mayor Hua Yuan sparked hope for resumed tourism, proposing group trips to Taiwan – a move welcomed by the mainland. \"We urge the DPP to stop creating artificial barriers,\" Zhu added, referencing travel restrictions since 2019.
Young professionals and students tracking cross-strait dynamics are watching closely: Can grassroots city-level diplomacy outmaneuver political friction? Stay tuned.
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
DPP Blamed for Cross-Strait Travel Barriers as…
