Focus Taiwan
Date: 2019/08/07
By: Miao Zong-han, Ku Chuan, Hung Chien-lun and Evelyn Kao

Taipei, Aug. 7 (CNA) Taiwan's government has described China's pullout from the Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards in Taipei as "China's loss" and urged it not to bring politics into cultural exchanges between Taiwan and China.

In a short statement issued Wednesday morning, the Chinese government said the China Film Administration has suspended mainland films and personnel from participating in the festival and awards, long considered the Oscars of the Chinese-language film industry.

Cabinet spokeswoman Kolas Yotaka (谷辣斯‧尤達卡) confirmed the news later Wednesday and said that if China thought it could punish Taiwan by doing this, it was the wrong move.

"This is China's loss," Kolas said, arguing that China should not suppress artistic creation and freedom of speech.    [FULL  STORY]