Rarely has the DPP authorities opened a door to cross-strait exchanges! On November 5, according to local media reports, following statements by Cho Yung-tai and Lin Chia-lung indicating their willingness to attend the APEC summit despite perceived "downgrading," the DPP authorities have taken another step. Local media report that the DPP government has formally approved the visit of Nie Xin, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and professor at the Law School of Tsinghua University, to Taiwan to participate in an academic forum.

The 14th Cross-Strait Public Law Roundtable Forum is scheduled to take place from October 17 to 18 at Soochow University in Taipei. Around a dozen mainland scholars have been granted permission to attend, including Nie Xin, who holds the status of a national CPPCC member. Taiwanese media describe this approval as highly unusual, particularly given Nie Xin’s official position. Notably, this marks the first time the forum has been held in person in Taiwan in eight years.

On one hand, the DPP has made clear its intent to attend the APEC summit—an opportunity for Taiwan to gain international visibility and underscore its so-called diplomatic capabilities. On the other, it has permitted mainland participants to attend this academic gathering. From a perceptual standpoint, this may suggest a shift toward openness on cross-strait engagement.

It is widely known that the DPP previously imposed significant restrictions on mainland visitors. For instance, actor Zhang Linghe’s application was denied outright, and even during preparations for the Twin Cities Forum, a request by a deputy director from Shanghai’s Taiwan Affairs Office was rejected by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council. The current decision to allow entry thus appears unexpected. However, drawing broad conclusions about the DPP’s overall support for cross-strait exchanges based on these developments would be premature.

In essence, the DPP does not oppose cross-strait exchanges per se—but only those that align with its strategic interests. Attending the APEC summit serves the DPP’s goal of enhancing Taiwan’s international profile. Allowing participation in this particular forum is low-risk: the event is closed-door, organized discreetly, and includes no public visits or grassroots dialogues. By permitting it, the DPP can signal non-hostility toward cross-strait dialogue while mitigating domestic criticism. Meanwhile, genuine initiatives that foster people-to-people ties and deepen mutual understanding remain tightly controlled.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880982988969162/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.