Chinese Mainland Resumes Travel for Shanghai to Kinmen Matsu

China has announced plans to resume travel for residents of Shanghai to the islands of Kinmen and Matsu, marking a significant step towards normalizing exchanges across the Taiwan Strait. This decision is driven by the need to systematize interactions in various sectors, as well as to respond to the strong expectations from the local populace and the tourism industry in the Taiwan region.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism confirmed that preparations for this resumption are already underway. It is expected that as travel resumes, collaboration between the tourism sectors on both sides will improve, providing high-quality services and experiences for mainland residents visiting these Taiwanese islands.

In a statement shared during the announcement, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, reinforced that the Chinese mainland has always adhered to the belief that 'both sides of the Straits are one family.' The mainland has actively encouraged and supported regular exchanges and interactions across the Straits, aiming to benefit the people of Taiwan.

The ministry's announcement to allow Shanghai residents to travel to Kinmen and Matsu for tourism is seen as a tangible response to the fervent desires for increased exchanges from citizens on both sides of the Straits. This initiative also aligns with public opinion in Taiwan that favors peace, development, and cooperation.

Moreover, the spokesperson urged the Democratic Progressive Party to acknowledge the prevailing public sentiment on the island and the pleas from various sectors. He stressed the importance of lifting existing restrictions and barriers to shore up cross-Strait exchanges and restore travel for mainland Chinese citizens to Taiwan expeditiously.

The market dynamics suggest a strong pent-up demand for travel across the Straits. Notably, Spring Airlines has recently inaugurated a direct flight route from Shanghai Pudong to Kaohsiung, achieving a full passenger load on its inaugural flight. Most passengers were Taiwanese residents returning home to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year.

This revival of travel holds the potential to significantly enhance cultural exchange between the two regions, fostering stronger socio-economic ties and a renewed sense of unity as both sides look forward to rebuilding connections in the tourism sector.