TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council on Friday cited China's "22 Guidelines" as a threat to cross-strait relations to deny entry to Shanghai Taiwan Affairs Office Director Jin Mei (金梅),
The council also rejected nine Chinese media members who were part of a Shanghai city government delegation set to attend the Taipei-Shanghai Forum, per CNA. MAC emphasized the "22 Guidelines," which include measures to curb Taiwan's international presence and set up a reporting hotline, hurt Taiwanese in China.
The council said the action was part of a broader strategy of heightened scrutiny on Chinese officials visiting Taiwan as a form of protest against China's policies. Regarding the nine media members, MAC suggested their exclusion was likely not related to the Taipei-Shanghai Forum.
MAC pointed to Chinese press agencies already operating in Taiwan, noting there were sufficient reporters to cover the forum. Taiwan currently hosts eight Chinese press agencies with 12 reporters.
In response to the entry denial, Taipei City Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) expressed regret, stating that he had a positive experience in Shanghai last year and had hoped to offer a similar experience to the visiting delegation, per CNA. Chiang urged the public to place more trust in the resilience of Taiwan’s democracy.
Taipei City Spokesperson Yin Wei-chang (殷瑋場) called on the central government to clarify its decision and provide a more detailed explanation about the denied permits for the media members. He emphasized Taiwan's commitment to a free press and free speech and requested that MAC elaborated on its criteria for assessing a "Chinese threat."
Yin's remarks came in response to comments from MAC Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑), who suggested, on Thursday, that the Taipei-Shanghai Forum might be postponed if China’s pressure on Taiwan escalates, per CNA. Liang did not specify what would constitute "worsening" pressure but said all factors would be considered.
National Chengchi University Department of Diplomacy Professor Huang Kwei-bo (黃奎博) noted this is the first time a member of a Chinese delegation has been denied entry, per UDN. Huang speculated that the denial of Jin's entry might be done in the name of combating China’s "United Front" strategy.
Huang suggested that President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) administration's refusal to allow Taiwan Affairs Office personnel entry — something that did not occur under former Presidents Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) or Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) — could be an attempt to retaliate against the Chinese government. Regarding the denial of entry for the reporters, Huang said it could indicate Lai's lack of confidence in cross-strait exchanges.
Huang also emphasized the discrepancy for reporters from both sides applying for accreditation, noting the application process has become significantly more stringent since Tsai took office, leading to a sharp decline in the number of Chinese reporters in Taiwan.