TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) criticized the KMT's participation in a think tank forum in Beijing on Tuesday, saying the party is ignoring rising hostility from China, per CNA.

The forum's theme, “prospects for cross-strait exchanges and cooperation,” is seen by some as a precursor to a future meeting between KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The KMT has repeatedly said the forum concentrates on professional exchange on topics such as tourism and the environment.

Speaking at the Taipei International Book Exhibition, Chiu said the KMT continues to ignore “growing hostility” and strained cross-strait relations due to persistent pressure from Beijing, including gray-zone tactics, diplomatic and economic coercion, and cognitive warfare.

Chiu singled out remarks by Song Tao, director of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, who called for adherence to the so-called 1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan independence. He described Song's speech as “more like a lecture than an exchange.”

Chiu added that China is now attempting "cross-border suppression," which targets Taiwanese military personnel, government officials, and civilians. He cited this as one of the reasons for deteriorating cross-strait relations.

Chiu also warned that risks to Taiwanese traveling to China are increasing, citing cases of unexplained disappearances, interrogations, detentions, and restrictions on personal freedom. Such incidents rose fourfold from the previous year to 221 cases last year, he said.

The MAC minister further noted that the recent purge of generals within China’s military points to internal turmoil, expressing regret that the KMT continues to downplay what he called the severity of the current situation.

Chiu also criticized comments by KMT Vice Chair Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑), who said Taiwan independence should be resisted and that both sides of the Taiwan Strait should work together to rejuvenate the Chinese nation.