CCP's 10 Taiwan-Related Measures: 'No Need to Go Backwards,' Says Ministry of Culture

The Ministry of Culture stated that from the film and television content section of the CCP's Taiwan-related measures, it is clear that conditions such as 'correct orientation,' 'healthy content,' and 'beneficial to cross-strait affection and a better life' still constitute a framework with content censorship. 'This is guidance or restriction that would not exist in the creative process in a free and democratic Taiwan, and of course, it is even more impossible for there to be officially led marketing and promotion.'

The CCP's Taiwan Affairs Office today announced 10 Taiwan-related measures, the 9th of which is 'Allowing the introduction of well-oriented, healthy in content, and well-produced Taiwanese TV dramas, documentaries, and animations to be broadcast on mainland cable TV channels and online streaming platforms.'

The 9th item also mentioned that 'Taiwanese businesses can participate in the creation of mainland micro-dramas in various ways. Promote the screening and broadcasting of film and television cultural works that are conducive to showcasing cross-strait affection and a better life, and promote the protection, inheritance, and innovative development of Chinese culture.'

The Ministry of Culture responded today, stating that as the competent authority, its position has always been to encourage Taiwanese film and television works to have a larger market and greater international influence, allowing the world to see Taiwan. However, China's current conditional opening policy is very much like the propaganda films of Taiwan's party-state era—pale, powerless, and empty. 'We have no need to go backwards.'

The Ministry of Culture stated that all creation should not serve the party-state; that kind of creation is merely a propaganda tool for political service. Only the soil of freedom and democracy can nurture great works.

The Ministry of Culture emphasized that it will continue to work with all creators and industry players, through subsidies, investments, international market expansion, etc., to bring Taiwanese works to a broader and freer world market, 'not to be controlled or manipulated by the Chinese market.' It also called on and reminded creators in the Taiwanese film and television industry to cherish and jointly protect this soil that provides nourishment for free creation. (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi) 1150412