Mainland to ease travel for Taiwan residents further: spokesperson

BEIJING, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland always attaches great importance to the opinions and suggestions of its Taiwan compatriots, and is committed to creating convenient conditions for Taiwan residents to travel to the mainland, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said on Wednesday.

From Nov. 20, the number of mainland ports authorized to issue single-entry travel permits upon arrival for Taiwan residents will increase to 100, according to the National Immigration Administration.

State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han told a press conference that Taiwan compatriots can fly or sail directly to the mainland from anywhere in the world and obtain a single-entry permit at their port of entry within 30 minutes. These permits allow a stay of up to three months.

They can also apply for a card-type travel permit valid for five years either through an entry and exit administration at or above the county level on the mainland or through travel agencies in Taiwan, according to Zhang.

"For first-time visitors from Taiwan, permits are issued free of charge and over 1,000 scenic areas are open to them with free admission," Zhang said, noting that the personal information of those who hold these permits will be strictly protected in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

Responding to recent "warnings" from Taiwan's mainland affairs council and the Straits Exchange Foundation about the "risks" of traveling to the mainland, Zhang said that the island's Democratic Progressive Party authorities have deliberately hyped up the issue in an attempt to obstruct and undermine cross-Strait exchange and travel.

"As long as they abide by the law, our Taiwan compatriots can come to the mainland just like coming home -- safely and comfortably," she said.