China’s film regulator has suspended all mainland-made movies and their associated personnel from participating in a prestigious Taiwan-based film festival amid deteriorating cross-Strait relations.

No mainland filmmakers or actors will attend the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards later this year, state-run media outlet China Film News, which is backed by the China Film Administration, said Wednesday in a statement posted to its official Weibo page. No official reason for the decision was given.

The Golden Horse Awards are one of the most prominent events in the Chinese-language film industry. The prizes were first awarded in 1962 and mainland Chinese moviemakers have been eligible to take part since 1996.

The ceremony courted controversy last year when Taiwan director Fu Yue said during an acceptance speech that she hoped for Taiwanese independence, sparking heated debate among filmmakers, politicians, and netizens. Beijing regards Taiwan as an indivisible part of China and aims to reunite with the island in the future.

Wednesday’s announcement marks the latest escalation of cross-Strait tensions. Last week, the Chinese government announced that it would stop issuing permits allowing tourists in 47 mainland cities to travel to Taiwan on an individual basis.

Contact reporter Tang Ziyi (ziyitang@caixin.com)

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