Taiwan's "mainland affairs council" recently announced it was raising the travel warning for the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions to orange, or avoiding nonessential travel, which is second only to the red or not recommended.

This move by the Democratic Progressive Party authorities is unwarranted and purely politically motivated. The local pro-DPP media outlets cooperating with the DPP authorities are attempting to scare the tourists of Taiwan from traveling to the mainland, which harms the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan compatriots. Even a cursory look at the lies and rumors spread by the DPP shows they are untenable. Many young people in Taiwan have stated that they will still travel to the mainland, and some respondents have pointed out that the DPP authorities are simply trying to escalate cross-Strait tensions and questioned why they are provoking the mainland side.

The DPP authorities are disregarding the facts. By using the so-called travel warning to conduct political manipulation, they are trying to openly threaten and scare Taiwan residents, seriously infringe on their legitimate rights and interests, and damage the development of cross-Strait relations.

Tourism operators in Taiwan have pointed out that usually the travel risk level of specific regions will only be raised in the event of a natural disaster or special circumstances that may affect travel safety. This time it is very unusual because there is no such justification. "If traveling to the mainland is really unsafe and high-risk, why are there still such a large number of tourist arrivals?" is a frequently asked question.

Cross-Strait exchanges and interactions conform to historical trends, are supported by the people, and happen every day. The exchanges between the two sides are a historical trend that no one can hinder.

The DPP authorities fabricate excuses to deceive the people of Taiwan, disrupt cross-Strait exchanges, seriously damage the interests of Taiwan residents and industries, deprive the freedom of travel of all sectors of society, and do not have the support of the people.

-China Media Group