China boosts ties with Taiwan after opposition leader visits

China has announced a series of initiatives to strengthen relations with Taiwan following a significant visit by the island’s opposition leader, Cheng Li-wun. Among the 10 measures unveiled, the country plans to restore direct flights between Taiwan and additional mainland cities, including Urumqi, Xi’an, Harbin, Kunming, and Lanzhou. This move also involves relaxing restrictions on Taiwanese food imports and allowing the broadcast of local dramas, documentaries, and animations under certain conditions.

These steps aim to promote closer ties, with China proposing a regular dialogue framework between its Communist Party and Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang (KMT). The measures are intended to support normalized travel and economic exchanges. However, Taiwan’s government, led by the Democratic Progressive Party, has yet to respond publicly to the announcement.

“The announcement aligns with the hopes of many in Taiwan and offers a meaningful step forward for peaceful cross-strait relations,” said Chang Jung-kung, vice chair of the KMT, which has shifted its stance toward Beijing in recent years.

Cheng Li-wun, the KMT chair, concluded her six-day trip to mainland China, during which she met with President Xi Jinping. After their meeting, she emphasized that opposing Taiwan independence could prevent conflict, stating, “By opposing Taiwan independence, we can avoid war.”