Chinese actor Zhang Linghe unable to enter Taiwan after authorities reject his application

"Pursuit of Jade" actor Zhang Linghe's application to visit Taiwan for fan meetings and other exchange activities has been rejected.

According to Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA), Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Zhang had repeatedly published posts undermining Taiwan's status, and that the purpose of his proposed visit was unclear.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) then criticised the decision on Oct. 21, accusing Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of restricting cross-strait cultural exchanges for political reasons.

In response, the MAC explained its reasons for rejecting Zhang's application.

China criticises rejection of Zhang's application

At a regular press conference on Oct. 21, China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han was asked about Zhang's rejected application to visit Taiwan for fan meetings and other exchange activities.

According to the official transcript published by the TAO, a reporter from the Global Times and Global Times Online had asked about the rejection.

Zhang Han replied that cultural exchanges involving mainland Chinese entertainers were a form of people-to-people interaction welcomed and anticipated by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

She said such exchanges helped enhance mutual understanding between people across the strait.

She added:

"The DPP authorities, driven by political motives, disregard the wishes of the people on the island, especially Taiwanese youth, and refuse to allow mainland performers to visit Taiwan for exchanges."

Zhang Han then urged the DPP to respect the shared desire of people on both sides for greater interaction and abandon what she described as "political manipulation" and "unreasonable restrictions".

Taiwan responds, citing past social media posts and Straits Forum appearance

In response to China's criticism, Taiwan's MAC explained on Oct. 21 why Zhang's application had been rejected.

According to CNA, the MAC said it welcomed entertainers from mainland China visiting Taiwan for cultural exchanges but such activities must not involve United Front efforts, under which "peaceful unification" could be promoted.

The council said Zhang had repeatedly published social media posts undermining Taiwan's status.

In addition, Chinese authorities apparently deliberately arranged for Zhang to deliver a speech at the Straits Forum, which the MAC described as a platform for United Front activities.

The Straits Forum is a China-driven initiative touted as the largest platform for youth, cultural, and economic exchanges between two sides of the straits. 

The council added that the purpose of Zhang's proposed visit to Taiwan was unclear.

His application was therefore rejected.

The MAC also responded to China's accusations of political manipulation by referring to recent incidents involving Taiwanese entertainers.

According to CNA, the council cited recent events involving Taiwanese television personality Kevin Tsai, as well as an incident in which comedian Huang Yi-hao was reportedly targeted by a vehicle and had waste thrown at his performance venue.

The MAC then questioned which side was suppressing or intimidating entertainers for political purposes, adding that the public could make its own judgement.