China to Restart Ties with Taiwan Following Opposition Leader’s Visit
China announced on Sunday that it would resume certain connections with Taiwan that had been previously halted, including direct flights and the import of specific Taiwanese seafood products. This change comes after a recent visit by Cheng Li-wun, the leader of Taiwan’s opposition party, who has friendly ties with Beijing.
The Taiwan Work Office, part of China’s Communist Party, stated it would look into establishing a long-term communication system between its party and Taiwan’s Kuomintang Party. It also mentioned plans to lift a ban on the import of Taiwanese aquaculture products.
During a notable meeting on Friday, Cheng Li-wun and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the need for peace. However, no specific details were provided. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and maintains that it may use force to achieve unification.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council quickly responded, describing the new measures put forth by China as “political transactions” bypassing the Taiwanese government. They emphasized that any discussions regarding cross-strait relations should be conducted equally and with respect for both sides’ governments.
Tensions between the two have escalated since pro-independence President Tsai Ing-wen was elected in 2016. Following her election, China cut off most official dialogue and has increased military presence near Taiwan.
China’s recent statement included plans to restart direct flights between Taiwan and mainland cities like Xi’an and Urumqi. However, it remains uncertain how these flights will be coordinated without permission from Taiwan’s government.
Since 2019, China has prohibited its citizens from making individual trips to Taiwan, while Taiwanese regulations require Chinese travelers to possess a valid visa from a third country, such as the U.S. or an EU nation.
Additionally, China expressed intentions to construct a bridge linking the mainland with Taiwan’s Matsu and Kinmen islands, a project that has been discussed for some time.
Beijing had previously banned the import of several Taiwanese products, including pineapples, grouper, squid, and tuna, further straining economic relations between the two. After restrictions were imposed on grouper, Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture sought to work with China to meet import conditions, although China’s responses have been limited.
