25th December 2024 – (Beijing) A spokesperson for mainland China called on Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on Wednesday to foster an environment conducive to the normalisation of cross-Strait tourism, rather than imposing barriers.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, expressed satisfaction at the prospect of residents from mainland cities, including Shanghai, resuming travel to Taiwan. This comment followed Shanghai’s announcement during the 2024 Shanghai-Taipei City Forum regarding the initiation of group tours for Shanghai residents to Taiwan.
Chen emphasised that the DPP’s policies are the primary impediment to cross-Strait tourism and urged the authorities to dismantle the various restrictions that hinder exchanges and cooperation between the two regions.
While the DPP lifted its ban on group tours to the mainland in March, it reimposed restrictions in June and continues to maintain a Level-Orange travel alert for journeys to the mainland. Chen urged the DPP to address the tourism industry’s concerns and implement tangible measures to facilitate travel for Taiwan residents to the mainland.
Regarding cross-Strait flights for the upcoming winter vacation and Spring Festival, Chen stated that mainland authorities have developed plans to enhance services for travellers. He affirmed that the mainland will actively respond to the needs of cross-Strait travellers, particularly those seeking to return to Taiwan for family reunions or to visit relatives, and will support airlines in increasing flight availability between the two regions.
