China unveiled a 10-point package on Sunday aimed at strengthening ties with Taiwan following a rare six-day visit by opposition Kuomintang (KMT) leader Cheng Li-wun. The measures include exploring a regular communication channel between the Chinese Communist Party and Taiwan’s KMT.
Beijing said it would pursue the full resumption of normalized direct passenger flights between the mainland and Taiwan, expanding routes to cities such as Urumqi, Xi’an, Harbin, Kunming and Lanzhou, and easing some travel restrictions for Taiwanese visitors. The plan also promises to facilitate imports of certain Taiwanese agricultural products after years of bans on items including pineapples, squid and tuna.
In media and culture, China said it will allow Taiwanese dramas, documentaries and animations to be broadcast on the mainland provided they are “correctly oriented, wholesome and high-quality.”
Taiwan is self-governed, but Beijing continues to regard the island as part of its territory. Taiwan’s government, led by the Democratic Progressive Party, did not immediately respond to the announcement. The KMT’s vice chair, Chang Jung-kung, called the measures “highly welcome,” saying they match expectations across sectors in Taiwan and could significantly boost peaceful cross-strait development.
Cheng Li-wun concluded her visit after meeting President Xi Jinping. After the meeting she told reporters, “By opposing Taiwan independence, we can avoid war.” Edited by: Karl Sexton.