TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Travel Agent Association of R.O.C. Taiwan (中華民國旅行公會全國聯合會) Chairman Hsiao Po-jen (蕭博仁) warned on Wednesday (May 22) that the association would take legal action against the government if the ban on group tours to mainland China, set to start on June 1, is not lifted.
Hsiao criticized the policy as illegal and unconstitutional, highlighting the potential for protests.
The statement from Hsiao comes amid escalating tensions between Taiwan and mainland China. The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO, 國台辦) of China criticized Taiwan's leader, Lai Ching-te (賴清德), on Tuesday (May 21) evening, labeling him a "pawn" of Taiwan independence.
TAO spokesperson Chen Binhua (陳斌華) accused Lai of hostility and provocation, exacerbating the stance on Taiwan's independence and attempting to internationalize the Taiwan issue.
Hsiao argued that Taiwan, as a democratic and free country, has always been the first to open up tourism with mainland China without requiring reciprocal conditions.
He expressed disappointment in the current administration, noting that previous remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平), had raised hopes for improved cross-strait relations during exchanges with former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou.
However, Chen criticized Lai's speech for setting a premise of "bilateral equivalence" for cross-strait tourism and academic exchanges, which he believes is detrimental to the improvement of relations.
Hsiao has already contacted the Tourism Bureau to inquire about the appropriate entity to sue. His actions reflect a broader concern within the tourism industry about the impact of continued restrictions on travel to mainland China.
As tensions simmer, the travel industry's pushback against the government's policy may signal a challenging period ahead for cross-strait relations, especially in sectors directly affected by such policies.