BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday criticized Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for using legislation to suppress political dissent, intimidate the public and obstruct cross-Strait exchanges.
Zhang Han, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a regular news conference in response to reports that the DPP authorities initiated procedures to revise the so-called anti-infiltration law, under the pretext of combating what they described as repression from the mainland.
Noting that the DPP authorities' claims of repression from the mainland were fabricated, Zhang said the proposed revisions were another attempt to intensify a chilling effect on public expression and cross-Strait exchanges, and fuel confrontation across the Taiwan Strait.
The DPP authorities were also using the issue to advance their secessionist agenda and promote the "two states" theory, she said.
Zhang was also asked to comment on a recent announcement by Taiwan's authorities that applications by mainland residents to visit Taiwan for sightseeing would be rejected if applicants were found to have made statements or taken actions deemed inconsistent with the so-called principle of "reciprocal dignity."
The DPP authorities, adhering stubbornly to their secessionist position, have repeatedly obstructed and imposed restrictions on tourism and exchanges across the Strait for political purposes, she said.
The desire of people on both sides to maintain close familial and social ties, as well as the broader trend toward cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, cannot be stopped, Zhang added.
On the issue of Taiwan's participation in the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, Zhang said the matter will be handled in accordance with the one-China principle, the relevant APEC memorandum of understanding and established practices.
"Taiwan can participate, as long as these arrangements are followed," she said.
The Taiwan question stems from a civil war fought between the forces led by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) about eight decades ago. In 1949, the defeated KMT retreated to Taiwan, while the People's Republic of China was founded under the leadership of the CPC.
The unresolved civil war and foreign interference have left the two sides of the Strait in a prolonged state of political confrontation. However, the fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory has never changed. ■
