TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Mainland Affairs Council on Thursday advised local governments not to allow their officials to attend the Straits Forum in China in June, labeling the event as part of Beijing’s united front tactics.

While central government officials have long been barred from participating, this year’s guidance also urges local governments to deny related requests, per UDN. The language used marked a stronger stance than in previous years, shifting from general discouragement to more direct recommendations.

MAC Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) visited Lienchiang County Magistrate Wang Chung-ming (王忠銘) and Kinmen County Magistrate Chen Fu-hai (陳福海) between April and May, with media reporting on potential changes to the council’s guideline regarding the Straits Forum. Observers of cross-strait affairs say the tougher stance is likely to lead to a significant drop in participation from local officials.

The KMT pushed back against the council’s position. KMT Chair Eric Chu (朱立倫) criticized the move, saying it reflects a return to Cold War-era politics, per Tai Sounds. He argued that many in Taiwan support cultural exchange as a way to reduce tensions with China.

KMT Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling (翁曉玲) also questioned the consistency of President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) cross-strait policy, referencing his past remarks about engagement with China, per Storm Media. Weng said restricting participation in the forum could reduce mutual understanding and negatively impact Taiwanese farmers by limiting their access to the Chinese market.