The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the Chinese Culture Association have both expressed support for continued exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Straits.

An official from the Taiwan Affairs Office said that he had received a report that a concert to be given in Hangzhou by Taiwan pop singer Zhang Huimei had been canceled, and that he was attempting to learn more details about the case.

Zhang was once on the mainland’s blacklist for holding a pro-independence stance, but has since been removed from the list. However, netizens in Hangzhou reportedly protested her scheduled appearance there, saying that she had made unpatriotic speeches. The concert was canceled out of concern for Zhang’s safety.

The director of the Chinese Culture Association said that Taiwan pop singers’ appearances in concerts on the Chinese mainland are an important component of cultural exchange. These have played an important role in eliminating misunderstandings between the compatriots and improving relations across the Straits.

“We fully understand the patriotism of the netizens who expressed their anger and protests regarding the ‘Taiwan independence’ activities by the Taiwan authority,” said the director.

“But many Taiwan pop stars have contributed substantially to the improvement of relations across the Straits, and we will remain open to them and protect their legitimate rights and interests according to law,” the director said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2004)