Culture Minister Hung Meng-chi has called on China not to be so narrow-minded. His comments on Monday follow reports that China is banning local TV stations from live broadcasts of Taiwan’s most prestigious film awards: the Golden Horse Awards.
“I think China should have some confidence in itself. Cultural exchanges should not be conducted from an ideological perspective or because of a lack of self-confidence," said Hung, "The critiques of a film can be used as a reference. Why is [China] so petty? “
China has also ordered its websites not to stream the Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony slated for April.
China said that the bans are aimed at preventing the ill effects brought on by “undesirable” comments. That’s in light of social changes in Taiwan and Hong Kong this year. Taiwan ushered in an opposition president, while Hong Kong has seen continued protests against authority.
The chairman of the Hong Kong Film Awards Association has already received a message regarding the ban, but Taiwan has yet to hear anything from its affiliated web media in China.