Two Chinese mainland actors have been denied entry by the Taiwan authorities for "security" reasons, while a local TV station in Taipei began screening their drama serial "Young Emperor Jiaqing" Thursday.

Zhang Guoli and his son Zhang Mo performed in the drama, which tells inside stories of the imperial family of China's last feudal Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The denial of entry of the mainland actors has drawn criticism from the people of Taiwan and the mainland.

"It is quite absurd," said the elder Zhang. He questioned how the Taiwan authorities could believe that mainland actors might threaten Taiwan's security.

Source: Xinhua