China to resume cross-strait water tourism with Taiwan

International

Shanghai residents to regain access to Kinmen and Matsu as Beijing signals a step toward normalizing people-to-people exchanges

China plans to resume cross-strait water tourism with Taiwan, allowing residents of Shanghai to travel to the Taiwan-governed islands of Kinmen and Matsu. The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, which described the move as part of broader efforts to normalize exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.

Focus on people-to-people exchanges

In a statement, the ministry said the resumption of tourism is intended to “normalize cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges and regularize interactions across various fields,” while responding to strong expectations from Taiwan residents and the tourism sector. The aim, it added, is to enhance the interests and well-being of people on both sides of the Strait.

Preparations for reopening the routes are currently under way. The ministry expressed hope that tourism authorities and businesses on both sides would strengthen communication and coordination to ensure high-quality services and products for mainland travelers visiting Kinmen and Matsu.

Official reactions from Beijing

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said the decision reflects “the strong desire of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait for closer exchanges,” as well as what he described as mainstream public opinion in Taiwan favoring peace, development, and cooperation. Speaking to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, Chen also called on Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party to lift restrictions on cross-strait visits and cooperation, and to restore travel by mainland residents to Taiwan.

Political context of the announcement

The announcement coincided with a visit to China by a delegation from Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang, which traveled to Beijing for a think-tank forum with the Chinese Communist Party. During the visit, China’s top political advisor Wang Huning met with the delegation and urged joint efforts to oppose Taiwan independence and what he termed external interference.

The planned resumption of cross-strait water tourism marks a notable development in cross-Strait relations, reintroducing a form of travel that has both economic and symbolic significance amid ongoing political sensitivities.