THE Chinese mainland yesterday criticized the current Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration in Taiwan for restricting and obstructing exchanges across the Taiwan Strait by various means, including placing obstacles to press exchanges.

“These practices are unpopular among the public and must be exposed and denounced,” said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson with the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a press conference.

Ma confirmed the DPP administration had unreasonably rejected the application of a reporter of SETV based in the mainland’s Fujian Province to station in Taiwan, saying the rejection had set a terrible example, since both sides of the Strait started to send reporters to cover news on the other side.

“Through a large amount of objective and just news stories, mainland journalists in Taiwan have played the role of bridges and bonds in enhancing understanding and kinship between compatriots from both sides, especially in helping people from the mainland to know Taiwan better,” he said. “The rights and interests of mainland journalists should be protected, and their work involving news reporting in Taiwan should be respected,” Ma said.

Ma also reiterated firm opposition against “Taiwan independence,” reiterating the necessity of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We firmly oppose any attempts of ‘Taiwan independence’, including facilitating such attempts through revising laws,” said Ma.

When asked about whether the recent navy drill around the island is a warning against “Taiwan independence,” Ma said the mainland has the will, confidence and ability to defeat any forms of “Taiwan independence” and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. (Xinhua)