A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday attributed the falling profits in Taiwan's tourism and hospitality industry to the island authority's refusal to recognize the 1992 Consensus, which endorses the one-China principle.
The mainland was aware of a recent rally staged by tourism employees in Taiwan, who "clearly voiced their aspirations and desires," said Ma Xiaoguang with the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office at a press conference.
"Taiwan's government has refused to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus since taking office in May. This has damaged all the hard work to gain peace across the Taiwan Strait," said the spokesperson.
"Whoever started the trouble should end it," Ma said.
The number of mainland visitors has plummeted since Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen took office in May. Data from the island's authorities show that the number of mainland tourists visiting the island on group tours has declined by about 30 percent over the three months since May, compared with the same period last year.
Over 15,000 people employed in hospitality and tourism in Taiwan took to the streets in downtown Taipei on Monday, demanding the island's authorities do something about the ailing industry.
