China to resume cross-strait water tourism with Taiwan

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - China is planning to resume cross-strait water tourism with Taiwan for Shanghai residents visiting Kinmen and Matsu, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced Wednesday.

Both Kinmen and Matsu are governed by Taiwan.

The ministry said it aims to "normalize cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges and regularize interactions across various fields, respond to the strong expectations of Taiwan residents and the tourism industry, and enhance the interests and well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Strait."

Preparations for the process are currently ongoing, the ministry said, expressing hope that tourism sectors on both sides of the Strait "will strengthen communication and coordination to provide high-quality services and products for mainland residents traveling to Kinmen and Matsu."

"This is a concrete step taken in response to the strong desire of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait for closer exchanges, and to the mainstream public opinion of people in Taiwan who want peace, development, exchanges and cooperation," said Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.

He also urged Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party authorities to "lift restrictions on cross-Strait visits as well as cooperation in various fields, and restore travel by mainland residents to Taiwan at an early date."

Beijing’s decision comes during a trip to China by a delegation of Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang for a think tank forum in Beijing with the Chinese Communist Party.

China’s top political advisor Wang Huning also met with the delegation on Wednesday.

He urged "joint efforts to firmly grasp the destiny of the Chinese nation and resolutely oppose 'Taiwan independence' separatism and interference by external forces."