The Chinese mainland is set to resume group tour services to Taiwan for residents of Fujian and Shanghai, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on Friday. This significant move aims to enhance exchanges across the Taiwan Strait and foster closer ties between people on both sides.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, expressed strong support for the decision in response to media inquiries. “It is a practical measure to respond to the enthusiastic anticipation of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait for enhanced exchanges and aligns with Taiwan compatriots’ collective aspirations for peace, development, exchanges, and cooperation,” Chen stated.
“We actively support this and will be happy to see it come to fruition,” he added.
Chen called on the Democratic Progressive Party authorities to recognize mainstream public opinion and listen to industry voices on the island. He urged them to lift the “ban on group tours” as soon as possible, cancel travel warnings for Taiwan residents traveling to the mainland, and fully restore direct cross-strait passenger flights.
“These actions would create favorable conditions for cross-strait exchanges and interactions in various fields,” Chen emphasized.
The resumption of group tours is anticipated to boost tourism and promote mutual understanding between residents of Fujian, Shanghai, and Taiwan, contributing to peace and prosperity in the region.
Reference(s):
Mainland to resume group tours for Fujian, Shanghai to Taiwan
cgtn.com
