TAIPEI: Popular Chinese actor Zhang Linghe has reportedly been banned from entering Taiwan.
According to the Taipei Times yesterday, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) clashed on Wednesday over the decision.
During a press conference on Oct 21, TAO spokesperson Zhang Han was asked about Taiwan rejecting Zhang Linghe's application to hold a fan meeting and take part in cultural exchanges.
According to the Global Times, Zhang Han criticised the Taiwanese authorities for the ban.
She said they turned down applications from mainland artistes "for political purposes", ignoring the wishes of residents.
Meanwhile, MAC said that Taiwan welcomes visits from all Chinese entertainers as long as they do not undermine Taiwan's national sovereignty.
According to the Taipei Times, MAC claimed Zhang Linghe posted several social media comments insulting Taiwan's sovereignty.
MAC also noted that his reason for visiting was unclear.
The actor, who turns 29 in December, gave a speech in June at the Straits Forum—an annual event hosted by the Chinese government in Xiamen, near Taiwan.
During his speech, the Pursuit of Jade actor encouraged young people in Taiwan to visit mainland China to "feel the vitality of this land for themselves and come away with new insights and growth".
He also mentioned working alongside Taiwanese crew members on his drama The Best Thing (2025), and noted that his hit series Pursuit of Jade (2026) was warmly received by Taiwanese viewers.
"These two experiences made me truly feel that creators on both sides of the strait share the same aesthetic sense and context.
"They made me even more convinced that both sides share the same roots, the same blood ties and a cultural heritage that cannot be severed," he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd