Experts condemn Lai Ching-te’s separatist rhetoric, stress cross-Strait unity

Chinese experts in mainland-Taiwan relations on Tuesday strongly criticized Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party he leads for intentionally stirring up trouble across the Taiwan Strait and blocking exchanges between people on the two sides of the Strait.

Their denunciation came at an event held in Beijing marking the launch of the 2024 edition of a handbook on the Taiwan question, which is compiled by Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

At a press conference on March 13, Lai unveiled 17 strategies to counter so-called "threats" from the Chinese mainland facing the island, which has sparked strong concerns from people in various sectors of Taiwan.

Experts said Lai's move once again revealed the true nature of his Taiwan separatist attempts and his stance against cross-Strait communication and peace.

"All he [Lai Ching-te] wants is to stir up societal unrest to consolidate the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) rule and political interests. He seeks to incite extreme populism to mislead certain groups, especially the young people," said Zheng Jian, deputy director of the Research Committee of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification.

"I believe that Lai's rhetoric is aimed at sowing discord between people on both sides of the Strait, obstructing cross-Strait exchanges, and inciting confrontation across the Strait. He seeks to create a climate of 'green terror' in Taiwan and cause a chilling effect among the Taiwan public. As a matter of fact, Lai's remarks have met the firm refute and opposition of many people in Taiwan. We must recognize that people on both sides of the Strait belong to one family and share the bond of kinship. I believe that our compatriots in Taiwan, inspired by the strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, will work together to promote common development across the Strait and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," said Yang Yizhou, vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.

Experts condemn Lai Ching-te’s separatist rhetoric, stress cross-Strait unity

The U.S. travel sector is actively tapping into the growing demand for outbound tourism from China, introducing new products and initiatives to attract more Chinese travelers.

According to the China Tourism Academy, Chinese outbound trips reached 130 million in 2024, highlighting a strong recovery and potential in the market.

To capitalize on this opportunity, Visit California, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting California as a premier travel destination, has unveiled new plans for business expansion in 2025.

"This year we're investing 7.2 million [U.S.] dollars across various channels such as brand, PR, trade and partnerships. We've recently just invested over 10 billion dollars on product upgrades, new hotels, attractions, and other experiences, really trying to communicate the strong commitment we have to the market," said Caroline Beteta, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit California in an interview with China Media Group.

Beteta emphasized California's efforts to enhance accessibility for Chinese travelers, including increasing direct flights and trying to streamline visa procedures.

"We have some good news with United Airline's expanding from Beijing to LA in 2025. In addition to that, we're working with government and federal partners to help alleviate some of the visa challenges in the market," she said.

U.S. travel sector eyes opportunities in growing Chinese outbound tourism