The Chinese mainland welcomes Taiwan compatriots to participate in activities commemorating the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen's birth, a mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday, criticizing Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities for obstructing cross-Strait exchanges.
Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to Taiwan's "mainland affairs council", which claimed Sun's ideals differed from those of the Communist Party of China.
Zhu stated that commemorative activities are being held across the mainland, while many Taiwan compatriots are also organizing events on the island to honor Sun and carry forward his legacy. National reunification and national rejuvenation were ideals to which Sun devoted his life, she said, adding that members of the CPC were the staunchest supporters, closest partners, and most faithful successors of his revolutionary cause. Under the leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people have made remarkable achievements over the past century, turning many of Sun's visions into reality, Zhu said.
She criticized the DPP authorities for adhering to a separatist position, refusing to recognize the 1992 Consensus embodying the "one-China principle", distorting the history of Taiwan people's resistance to foreign aggression, and downplaying Japan's colonial rule over Taiwan. Their attempts to prevent Taiwan residents from attending commemorative events on the mainland amounted to a betrayal of Sun's legacy, Zhu said, stressing that national reunification is an unstoppable historical trend.
Responding to the council's decision to deny travel permission to individuals who require prior approval to visit the mainland for the commemorations, Zhu reiterated that Taiwan compatriots are welcome to attend. She called on people on both sides of the Strait to jointly honor Sun's historical contributions, carry forward his commitment to national reunification and rejuvenation, and contribute to the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.
