A Chinese mainland spokeswoman condemned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities on Wednesday for banning academic exchanges with mainland universities, saying the move deprives students of their right to education and serves their separatist agenda for "Taiwan independence".

The remarks followed an announcement by the island's education authority that in order to "protect young people from united front work" from the mainland, universities in Taiwan are prohibited from engaging in exchanges with mainland universities, including Jinan University in Guangdong province and Huaqiao University in Fujian province. Additionally, high schools are forbidden from encouraging or assisting students in pursuing studies at these institutions.

Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said the two renowned universities in the mainland have nurtured numerous outstanding students over the years, including those from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, making significant contributions to strengthening connections between the mainland and these regions.

Zhu welcomed Taiwan students to participate in admissions examinations for the two universities, encouraging them to enroll in mainland universities.

She condemned the DPP for obstructing educational exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. She emphasized that their actions have reached an unprecedented level, which will face strong opposition from schools, students and parents in Taiwan.