Preventing cross-Straits communication goes against will of the people: spokesperson

BEIJING -- The current Taiwan authorities have attempted to interfere with and prevent cross-Straits communication and such activities go against the will of the people, said a Chinese mainland spokesperson Wednesday.

An Fengshan, spokesperson with the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a press conference Wednesday, when commenting on the current Taiwan authorities' decision to reject Taiwan-based Kuomintang (KMT) Party Vice Chairman Tseng Yung-chuan's application to visit the mainland.

"The current Taiwan authorities restrain themselves from communicating with the mainland, and also deprive others of their right to communication," An said.

The Communist Party of China and the KMT have increased cooperation on the common political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence." "Such cooperation is conducive to maintaining cross-Strait peace and stability, and promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations."

An said that the mainland has issued 2.69 million travel permit cards for Taiwan residents since 2015 and would develop more convenient functions for permit cards.