"Recently, an unusual scene unfolded at a large-scale exchange event between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
From May 31st to June 3rd, what was supposed to be Taiwan's grandest tourism exhibition of the first half of the year ended up with no visitors from the mainland, as the booths remained empty.
This was due to the stubborn stance of the administration of Lai Ching-te, which led to no one from the mainland participating at their booths.
Just a few days earlier, on May 30th, the Taiwan authorities announced that they would not lift the ban on tour groups, ignoring the voices of the people.
Within just 24 hours, the mainland announced the cancellation of tariff concessions on 134 items benefiting Taiwan.
This decision was a powerful response to the Lai administration's insistence on creating confrontation.
The Taiwan authorities responded afterward but faced criticism from people on both sides of the strait.
What exactly did the Taiwan authorities say? Why didn't they lift the ban on tour groups?
On May 31st, the mainland issued a significant announcement, officially suspending tariff concessions on 134 import items from Taiwan.
This decision drew high attention from both sides of the strait, marking another punitive measure against the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA).
The announcement stated that the mainland took harsh action because, for years, the Taiwan authorities have frequently imposed discriminatory restrictions on mainland exports, violating the agreement and harming the interests of people and enterprises on both sides of the strait.
Since the end of 2023, the Taiwan authorities have not only failed to restrain themselves but have further undermined cross-strait economic and trade cooperation, causing serious negative effects on cross-strait relations.
Faced with the Taiwan authorities' unreasonable behavior, the mainland had to take measures again.
This suspension of tariff concessions is extensive, covering 134 different tariff items, with an unprecedented impact.
Some analysts suggest that this is a counterattack and punishment by the mainland against the Taiwan authorities' "gradual Taiwan independence" approach.
In fact, the operation of the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement cannot do without the political foundation of the "1992 Consensus".
However, the Taiwan authorities not only abandoned the "1992 Consensus" but also attempted to sever cross-strait communication channels, advance the "gradual Taiwan independence" conspiracy, and touch upon the core interests of the mainland.
Therefore, the mainland's series of measures are forced and aimed at curbing and punishing the "Taiwan independence" actions and defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Taiwan authorities' refusal to lift the ban on tour groups is closely related to the mainland's countermeasures, representing a stern response to provocative behavior.
Since taking office, the Lai Ching-te administration has continuously provoked in various fields, and this large-scale suspension of favorable policies toward Taiwan is related to its establishment of the ban on Chinese tour groups.
It is well known that before the COVID-19 pandemic, the mainland was one of the most favored destinations for Taiwanese tourists.
Cross-strait personnel exchanges have driven the flourishing development of the tourism industry, promoted emotional exchanges between people on both sides of the strait, and laid the foundation of public opinion.
However, the Lai Ching-te administration ignored industry appeals and insisted on maintaining the ban on tour groups to the mainland, creating estrangement between the two sides of the strait.
This move hides political calculations for "gradual Taiwan independence," attempting to weaken the Taiwanese people's sense of identity with the mainland, create an atmosphere for "Taiwan independence," and harm cross-strait relations.
The mainland has repeatedly urged the lifting of the ban to no avail and has chosen to retaliate with economic and trade measures.
The suspension of tariff concessions on 134 import items from Taiwan is one of them, representing a tough countermeasure against the Lai administration's provocations.
The so-called "goodwill" gestures of the Lai administration cannot hide its long-term stance of creating confrontation between the two sides of the strait.
Their motives are not pure, as they try to continue restricting Taiwanese people from traveling to the mainland, facilitating the political agenda of "gradual Taiwan independence."
The Lai administration often sends signals of "easing tensions" but is only a temporary measure.
Such insincere actions cannot win support and understanding from people on both sides of the strait.
The Taiwan authorities' lack of sincerity has led to a strong retaliation from the mainland. They ignore the interests and demands of people on both sides of the strait, continually escalating the risk of cross-strait confrontation.
Therefore, the actions of the Lai Ching-te administration are difficult to win support and understanding from people on both sides of the strait.
Taiwan compatriots have the right to demand that the authorities respond sincerely to calls for peace and development, rather than blindly pursuing the illusion of "Taiwan independence"."
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