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1st Ld Writethru: Mainland rules out citizens gambling in Taiwan

Xinhua, May 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

Chinese mainland authorities have ruled out the possibility of its citizens being allowed to gamble in Taiwan, as casinos are mooted on one of a number of Taiwanese islands which have recently been made more accessible to mainland tourists.

Mainland regulations and cross-Strait agreements between the mainland and Taiwan are consistent in prohibiting mainland tourists from gambling in Taiwan, said Fan Liqing, spokesperson with the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a regular press conference on Wednesday.

Gambling is banned on the mainland and on the island of Taiwan, though the Taiwanese island of Matsu has approved construction of casinos.

Since the start of this year, mainland Chinese have been allowed to travel to outlying islands including Matsu without applying in advance for Taiwan-issued entry permits.

Asked whether authorities are planning direct flights between the Chinese mainland and Kinmen, its closest Taiwanese island, Fan said there would be "no policy barriers" and that airlines on both side of the strait could apply for flight numbers in line with existing regulations. Endi