BEIJING -- A mainland spokesman said on Wednesday an alleged ban on Taiwan entertainers from participating in mainland performances did not exist.

Yang Yi, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks when asked to comment on an alleged entertainment ban that would make it more difficult for Taiwan entertainers to preform in mainland-based entertainment shows.

The Chinese mainland has not changed its policies and regulations regarding the participation of Taiwan entertainers in mainland programs, said Yang.

Speculation has arisen whether the state TV regulator has decided to stop Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainers from participating in the mainland's entertainment industry since September when a Taiwan host quit a popular show of Hunan Satellite Television and the channel rescheduled the airing of a show starring Hong Kong actor Aaron Kwok.