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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 resume recently travel for Shanghai residents to Kinmen and Matsu, Ministry of Culture and Tourism said on Wednesday.

The ministry said the preparatory work is currently 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, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said on Wednesday 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 will recently be permitted to 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 the appeals from the industry, lift their restrictions and obstructions on 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.

Global Times