Despite tensions, Chinese delegation arrives in Taiwan for festival

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Feb 12:14

A delegation of Chinese officials headed by Liu Xiaodong, deputy head of the Shanghai office of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, lands in Taiwan after being granted permission by Taipei's authorities.

Liu Xiaodong, deputy head of the Shanghai office of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, walks out of the arrival hall at Taipei Songshan Airport in Taipei, Taiwan, February 18, 2023. (Reuters)

For the first time since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, and despite intensified military tensions between Taipei and Beijing, the delegation, led by Liu Xiaodong, deputy head of the Shanghai office of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, landed in Taiwan earlier on Saturday. Taipei had granted six mainland China officials permission to attend the Lantern Festival.

Once in Taipei, the delegation was heavily guarded and directed toward a vehicle. Liu did not respond to any questions. In the meantime, Liu was met with pro-China and anti-China supporters.

The head of the pro-independence Taiwan Republic Office, Chilly Chen, told Reuters, "Everything China does is in the service of politics, and their aim is definitely united front." Chen, however, noted that the Taiwanese people were hospitable and welcomed the delegation despite concerns.

According to Taiwan's China policymaking Mainland Affairs Council, the delegation of six has been granted permission to travel under the condition that they keep a low profile. The Council also voiced hope that the delegation's journey will promote future "healthy and orderly contacts" and improve mutual understanding.

This comes almost a month after the Taiwanese cabinet resigned, including its premier, and less than three weeks after the Taiwanese President appointed former Vice-President Chen Chien-jen as premier, ahead of a complete cabinet reshuffle.