The Chinese mainland is moving forward with a newly announced package of policies to enhance exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait, a government spokesperson said Wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference, Chen Binhua of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said that authorities were actively implementing 10 measures unveiled earlier this month to deepen cross-Strait engagement.

The policy package, released on April 12, includes steps such as resuming individual travel to Taiwan for residents of Shanghai and Fujian Province.

This will also facilitate market access for food products from qualified Taiwan manufacturers.

Mr Chen called on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to remove restrictions and barriers that hinder regular exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

He criticised what he described as attempts by DPP authorities to discredit mainland measures benefiting Taiwan residents, urging them instead to respond to public opinion and promote closer ties.

According to Mr Chen, the new measures are designed to improve livelihoods on both sides of the Strait and reflect a shared desire for peace, development, and increased cooperation.

(Xinhua/NAN)