TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP, 民進黨) legislative caucus on Friday (Jan. 24) criticized Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Legislator Chen Yu-jen (陳玉珍) attending a Lunar New Year event in Xiamen (廈門) with Song Tao (宋濤), director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office (國台辦). DPP stated the action harmed Taiwan's national interests.
DPP Legislator Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤) accused Chen of damaging Taiwanese sentiments by cutting Taiwan's budget and begging for China's favor. Chen explained on Facebook that she attended the cross-strait celebration with Li Wen-liang (李文良), Kinmen County's deputy magistrate, to assess travel conditions following increased flights under the Three Mini Links (小三通).
Song Tao visited Shenzhen (深圳) and Xiamen from Tuesday to Thursday, meeting with Taiwanese businesspeople and hosting the cross-strait event where Chen joined him on stage. Chen claimed she advocated for more Chinese tourists from various provinces to visit Kinmen, receiving a positive response from Song.
Chen also noted that potential talks between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could increase the necessity for exchanges between Taiwan and mainland China. She emphasized that enhancing mutual understanding and reducing misunderstandings is crucial for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.