After nearly three years of suspension due to the pandemic, the direct ferry links between Xiamen in China’s Fujian Province and Taiwan’s Kinmen Islands are back in full swing, and they’re making waves. The once limited routes have surged from two to 20 per day, facilitating over 1.15 million passenger trips since January.
For travelers like David Hsu from Kaohsiung, the revived services are a breath of fresh air. “I’ve been using this route for over a decade. The development here is impressive, and everything is so convenient,” he shared.
The journey between Xiamen and Kinmen takes less than half an hour, making it a popular choice for those looking to travel, shop, or reconnect with family and friends. Ye Qingxin, a resident of Kinmen, praised the comfortable ships and the ease of travel. “We come here for vacation and shopping. It’s so convenient.”
Mainland authorities have streamlined the travel process, offering quick registration services that take only about two minutes. “For Taiwan compatriots who frequently travel for business, we provide convenient registration applicable across the mainland,” said Chen Jinlai, deputy chief of Gaoqi Border Inspection Station. Assistance is also available in the Minnan dialect, making the experience more welcoming for local travelers.
The renewed links aren’t just benefiting passengers; they’re boosting trade and communication as well. The cross-Straits postal service has seen a surge in activity. “Since resuming the two-way mail route from Xiamen to Kinmen on July 30, we can ensure next-day delivery of mails,” said Cai Chunmei of the Xiamen-Taiwan Mail Exchange Center.
These developments are part of the “three direct links”—trade, transport, and postal services—between the mainland and Taiwan. Since their initiation in 2008, they’ve played a significant role in enhancing mutual interests across the Straits.
With the impediments lifted, the first 11 months of 2023 have seen a 9% year-on-year increase in imports and exports between both sides. The mainland is encouraging further utilization of these links to bring even greater benefits to people on both sides of the Straits.
Travelers like Li Ling from Xiamen are seizing the opportunity to explore. “I traveled to Kinmen before, but this is my first time riding a bicycle there. I plan to ride around the islands and the newly built Kinmen bridge,” she said with excitement.
The revival of the direct links signifies more than just ease of travel—it represents the strengthening of bonds and a shared future across the Taiwan Straits.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
