China lifts ban on tourists from Fujian province, allowing them to visit Taiwan | Travel

China has lifted the ban on tourists from Fujian province visiting Taiwan, marking a significant development in cross-strait relations. According to a report by Nikkei Asia, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the eased restrictions, allowing tourists from Fujian to visit Taiwan.

The decision was revealed by China’s Vice Minister Rao Quan to a delegation from Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), which seeks closer ties with China. This move comes ahead of the ceremonial induction of Taiwanese President-elect William Lai, whom China considers a separatist.

Initially, travel will be permitted to Taiwan’s Matsu islands, located near the Fujian coast, with group tours set to resume once ferry services between Fujian’s Pingtan and Taiwan’s main island are operational. The ban on individual travel by residents from the mainland, including Fujian, was imposed in 2019.

Cross-strait relations have been strained since the election of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, as her Democratic Progressive Party advocates for the status quo rather than unification with China. With the KMT emerging as the top party in Taiwan’s legislative elections earlier this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping has aimed to strengthen ties with the party.

Xi recently met with former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou of the KMT in Beijing, marking their first meeting in over eight years. Xi praised Ma’s opposition to Taiwan independence and his efforts to promote peaceful cross-strait development.

The lifting of the ban on tourists from Fujian visiting Taiwan signifies a potential thaw in cross-strait relations and a step towards increased cooperation between the two regions.