latest news

To further normalize cross-Straits personnel exchanges and regularize exchanges across various fields, address the strong expectations of the people and the tourism industry in Taiwan region, and enhance the well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Straits, the Chinese mainland will soon resume travel for Shanghai residents to Kinmen and Matsu, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said on Wednesday.

The ministry said that the preparatory work is underway. It is hoped that tourism industries on both sides will strengthen communication and collaboration to provide high-quality services and products for mainland residents traveling to Kinmen and Matsu, the ministry said.  

Upon the announcement, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said on Wednesday that the Chinese mainland has always adhered to the principle of "both sides of the Straits are one family" and has consistently supported and promoted normal exchanges between people across the Straits as well as regular interactions in various fields, with the aim of benefiting compatriots in Taiwan. 

The announcement by the ministry that residents of Shanghai can soon resume travel to Kinmen and Matsu for tourism purposes is a concrete measure that responds to the ardent expectations of compatriots on both sides of the Straits for enhanced exchanges. It also addresses the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan for peace, development, exchanges, and cooperation. We actively support this initiative and are pleased to see it take shape, the spokesperson said. 

We hope that the Democratic Progressive Party will face up to the mainstream public opinion on the island and appeals from the industry, lift restrictions on and obstruction of cross-Straits personnel exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and restore travel to Taiwan region for Chinese mainland residents as soon as possible, according to the spokesperson.

Market activity is reflecting pent-up demand for cross-Straits travel. On Sunday, Spring Airlines officially launched its direct flight route from Shanghai Pudong to Kaohsiung of Taiwan. The inaugural flight achieved a 100 percent passenger load factor, with a majority of the passengers being Taiwan residents returning home for the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations, according to the information the company shared with the Global Times.

Global Times