Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Legislator Lai Hsiang-ling (賴香伶) on Wednesday said she is still unsure why Chinese border agents refused to allow her entry the day before.
Lai said she was invited by the Taiwan Taoism Association to attend a cross-strait Taoist worship tour in China’s Fujian Province.
However, when she arrived at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport on Tuesday, border agents told her that her “Taiwan compatriot travel document” (台胞證) was invalid, she said.
Photo: Liao Chen-hui, Taipei Times
Lai said she asked for clarification and presented her scheduled itinerary for the event, but never received an explanation.
She last visited China while serving in the Taipei City Government, she said, adding that her permit had not expired.
Asked by reporters whether it could be retaliation for TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je’s (柯文哲) trip to the US last month, Lai said it was likely not directed at any particular party or politician.
Everyone has a role to play in cross-strait affairs, she said, encouraging peaceful exchanges such as religious and cultural activities.
Lai called on China’s Taiwan Affairs Office to offer an explanation as soon as possible and complete the necessary documentation for her to visit, as there are many cross-strait events being planned.
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