DPP's 'chilling effect' claims on ethnic unity law are distortions, says mainland spokeswoman

Claims by some Democratic Progressive Party politicians that the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress would create a "chilling effect" in Taiwan or be used for so-called "cross-border repression" are deliberate distortions, Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Thursday.

Speaking at a regular news conference, Zhu said the law is a promotive law designed to safeguard the fundamental and overall interests of the Chinese nation. Its implementation will provide a legal guarantee for advancing ethnic unity and progress and help unite people of all ethnic groups in promoting national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, she said.

Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the Chinese nation and are all Chinese, Zhu said. People of all ethnic groups, including Taiwan compatriots, jointly created a unified multiethnic country, wrote China's history and developed Chinese culture, she added.

The implementation of the law will help promote cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges, deepen integrated development in various fields, and encourage people on both sides to jointly inherit and promote Chinese culture, Zhu said. It will also help strengthen Taiwan compatriots' sense of belonging, identity and honor toward the Chinese nation.

Zhu criticized the DPP authorities for adhering to a "Taiwan independence" separatist position and repeatedly smearing the law for political purposes. Their aim is to incite confrontation across the Strait and intimidate Taiwan residents, she said, adding that such attempts will not succeed.

Regarding the claims by Taiwan's mainland affairs council about facing "cross-border repression" when people from Taiwan express personal views and opinions on cross-Strait political identities while traveling to the mainland, Zhu said the council has fabricated these so-called risks to intimidate Taiwan residents and create a "chilling effect".

"The door for cross-Strait exchanges has always been open," Zhu said, adding that the mainland welcomes Taiwan compatriots and businesspeople to visit and take part in exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

Taiwan compatriots and businesspeople can travel to the mainland conveniently and easily, and there is no need for concern, she said.

The mainland will continue to protect the lives, property and lawful rights and interests of compatriots on both sides of the Strait in accordance with the law, while cracking down on illegal and criminal activities, Zhu said.

If "Taiwan independence" forces carry out acts aimed at separatism, splitting the nation or undermining ethnic unity, they will be punished in accordance with the law, she added.