China strongly condemned Taiwanese authorities for barring Taiwanese citizens from attending commemorative events marking the 160th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, scheduled to be held in China next month.

		0
A symposium marking the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen's birth recently held in Macao. As seen in the photo, commemorative events honoring him are being held ahead of time in Hong Kong and Macao. In China as well, large-scale commemorative events are scheduled to take place on the 12th of next month, with many Taiwanese expected to attend. However, Taiwanese authorities are prohibiting this in principle, making China's backlash only natural. / The Beijing News

According to Beijing sources well-versed in cross-strait relations on the 22nd, spokesperson Zhang Han of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, China's agency handling Taiwan affairs, pointed out regarding the Taiwanese authorities' measure at a regular press briefing the previous day that "the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities are mobilizing every means to disrupt and restrict cross-strait exchanges for their own selfish goal of independence, fostering green terror to block Taiwanese compatriots from visiting mainland China."

He went on to warn, "This is a betrayal of our nation and history, clearly revealing their sinister intentions to heighten cross-strait confrontation and conflict while pursuing the division of the country," adding that "any confrontational plot seeking cross-strait division or independence will never succeed."

In addition, he reiterated, "The DPP authorities' obstruction of visits to the mainland by Taiwan residents is absurd and ridiculous, and it will end in vain," asserting that "the DPP authorities must face the demands of industries and residents within Taiwan, and must not intentionally obstruct cross-strait exchanges and travel by deploying all manner of means."

According to sources, China plans to hold large-scale events on the 12th of next month commemorating the 160th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, who led the 1911 Xinhai Revolution. In Hong Kong and Macao, whose sovereignty has already been returned to China, numerous similar events have either been held or are expected to take place. It is only natural that residents of Taiwan, who revere him as the father of the nation, would seek to participate in these events. In fact, a considerable number of people are reportedly planning to attend the ceremonies on the 12th. From the standpoint of the DPP government, putting the brakes on this is hardly surprising either.

Prior to this, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council criticized China on the 15th for using the Sun Yat-sen commemorative events for political purposes. At the same time, it articulated a policy of withholding approval for Taiwanese figures attending the memorial events, while also stating a stance urging people to refrain from participating in commemorative events held inside China. It further proclaimed the principle that participants would face disadvantages if they took part in the events. For China, reacting with fierce opposition can likewise be considered entirely natural.

                                                                                                           Hong Soon-do