Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Photo: people.com.cn

Commenting on claims by the island of Taiwan's "mainland affairs council" that many celebrities from Taiwan are acting out of necessity rather than voluntarily, and that they will not allow these celebrities to be manipulated by the mainland, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that when Taiwan celebrities express their recognition of Chinese culture and the idea that people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are one family, it is a sincere expression of emotion, and it is their freedom and right.

The DPP authorities deliberately distort information, revealing their inner fear. In order to incite "anti-Chinese mainland sentiment," the DPP authorities continuously hype up the "united front threat," escalating their actions and using any means to intimidate and suppress domestic groups and individuals who support and participate in cross-Straits exchanges. Their aim is to obstruct cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation, and to implement "green terror" and "green dictatorship" on the island, Chen said.

The motherland will always be a strong backing for compatriots in the Taiwan region, and the more than 1.4 billion members of our family will always be their most solid support, Chen said. "We will always support and encourage cultural exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Straits, welcome Taiwan celebrities to come and develop in the mainland, and take necessary measures to safeguard their legitimate and lawful rights and interests."

Previously, the island of Taiwan's "mainland affairs council" claimed that Taiwan celebrities, including Ouyang Nana and over 20 others, would be subjected to administrative scrutiny if they made or shared messages opposing "Taiwan independence" and promoting reunification. 

In March, many celebrities from the island have reposted "Taiwan, Province of China" on Weibo, while Taiwan's "mainland affairs council" has labeled this as a "united front tool" and claimed that they will examine these actions.

Global Times