A Chinese mainland spokeswoman criticized Taiwan authorities for obstructing cross-Strait tourism and exchanges after the island denied entry permits for several Shanghai groups to attend the 2025 Taipei Lantern Festival, breaking a tradition unbroken since 2015.

"Such actions disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in which compatriots from both sides of the Strait celebrate Spring Festival, going against the shared desire of compatriots for interactions," said Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

She also condemned the Democratic Progressive Party administration for hindering mainland group tours to Taiwan under the pretext of coordination through cross-Strait tourism associations.

Following the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's announcement on Jan 17 regarding the resumption of group tour services for residents of Fujian province and Shanghai, tour operators from these regions requested inspection visits to Taiwan on Jan 24.

However, Taiwan insisted that such matters should be coordinated through the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association established by the island and the mainland's Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits before proceeding.

Accusing the DPP of insincerity in welcoming mainland visitors and obstructing tourism exchanges, Zhu said they fabricated excuses to deceive the people and tourism industry on the island, attempting to shift blame and responsibilities to the mainland for political gain.

She said that the mainland has actively promoted cross-Strait exchanges, but the DPP has impeded progress, including rejecting calls for the full resumption of direct cross-Strait passenger ships and failing to lift the alert for Taiwan residents to travel to the mainland. The DPP's restrictions have led to a significant imbalance in visitor numbers between Taiwan and the mainland, Zhu said, urging the DPP to show more sincerity in facilitating mainland visits to Taiwan.