TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chair Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) rejected China's characterization of the Taiwanese government under President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) as provocative or unreasonable, arguing that the real issue lies in Beijing's refusal to acknowledge Taiwan's democratic society, in an interview published Friday.

Chiu explained that the ongoing tension between Taiwan and China stems from Beijing’s stance, which fails to recognize Taipei as a separate entity, per Nikkei Asia. He highlighted Lai’s efforts to open dialogue with China in late 2024, despite Beijing’s ongoing attempts to undermine the nation through tactics like gray-zone operations, cognitive warfare, and other hostile actions.

Chiu also noted that Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平) unilaterally severed communications with Taiwan following the election of former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) in 2016. He cited additional Chinese efforts, including the “22 Guidelines,” which aim to limit Taiwan's international presence.

Tensions recently flared between Taiwan’s central government and the pro-China KMT-led Taipei City Government ahead of the Taipei-Shanghai Forum in December. The Taipei City Government objected to the central government’s decision to ban two of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office officials from entering Taiwan.

The MAC cited the “22 Guidelines” as the rationale for the ban, marking an unprecedented move, as no previous Taiwanese administration—whether under Tsai or otherwise—had restricted members of the Shanghai city delegation in this way.

A source close to the Republican Party in the US told Nikkei Asia that they viewed Taiwan’s decision to deny Chinese officials entry as reasonable. European Values Center for Security Policy Director Jake Janda echoed that stance, arguing that Beijing’s refusal to engage with Taiwan’s official representatives justified the entry denial.

Nikkei Asia then elaborated on the KMT’s position, referencing recent KMT proposals and oppositions. These include seeking to shorten the naturalization process for Chinese spouses and objecting to DPP Legislator Shen Pao-yang’s (沈伯洋) proposal to tighten restrictions on Taiwanese lawmakers of all levels when visiting China.

In light of the KMT’s position, Nikkei Asia, quoting a senior diplomat in Taipei, suggested that the party could enhance its international credibility by more forcefully condemning China’s actions against Taiwan's democracy.