TAIPEI, June 29, 2023 (AFP) – Taiwan has rejected applications by Chinese tourism officials to enter the island for an international travel fair next month, authorities said Thursday, citing the current “cross-strait situation” with China. China views self-ruled democratic Taiwan as part of its territory — to be seized one day, by force if necessary — and exchanges between the two sides had tapered off due to political tensions as well as pandemic-driven border closures. […]