Lai's latest restrictions fuel cross-Strait concerns

TAIPEI/XIAMEN — People from both sides of the Taiwan Strait are disappointed to know Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te have doubled down on restrictive policies toward the mainland.

Portraying the mainland as a "hostile external force", Lai outlined 17 strategies to counter so-called threats facing the island, including a number of restrictive policies on mutual visits by Taiwan and mainland residents as well as on cultural, academic and religious exchanges.

One policy is to ensure that local residents register their personal information with the authorities before traveling to the mainland.