China rolls out 10 new incentive measures for Taiwan on Sunday. It aims to warm cross-strait ties following a high-profile visit by the island’s main opposition leader. Officials announce the package right after Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Kuomintang party, wraps up her trip to the mainland. She sits down with President Xi Jinping. She urges both sides to focus on peace and reconciliation instead of confrontation.
KMT Chairwoman Holds Key Talks With Xi Jinping
Cheng’s meetings highlight the Kuomintang’s push for better communication with Beijing. Moreover, the party represents Taiwan’s largest opposition bloc. It often advocates closer economic links with the mainland. As a result, Chinese authorities respond quickly with concrete steps. These steps ease everyday barriers for people on both sides.
Beijing Extends Hand to Boost Travel and Trade
The measures, released through the official Xinhua news agency, explore a regular dialogue channel between the KMT and China’s Communist Party. In addition, they call for full resumption of direct flights. They open doors for residents from Shanghai and Fujian province to visit Taiwan more freely.
In addition, there are more liberalized rules for tourists along with the allowance of “healthy” TV drama from the mainland. There is also an easy sale of food items from Taiwan to China. Such steps have been taken by China in an effort to earn goodwill. They want to reduce any kind of tension that has built up between both parties over the past few years.
It must be noted that the whole process seems like well thought out efforts by the Chinese government. This shows how China wants to reward dialogue rather than confrontation. At the same time, the government of Taiwan is very cautious. They are watching carefully to see if this would yield any kind of positive results or not.
Nevertheless, ordinary citizens on both sides have welcomed any such initiative.
