Fujian province looks to resurgence through boosting ties with Taiwan

Fujian province is about to be reborn, and the sense of hope is palpable.

Taxi drivers, shop owners, government officials, university professors, port officials - all are anticipating a resurgence in this province facing across the strait towards Taiwan.

Even in the far northern reaches of Wuyishan - deep in a mist-enshrouded gorge called Niu Lan Keng, where Huang Weisu's family has grown Wulong tea on terraced slopes since the Ming dynasty - there is a new sense of optimism.

'On the day Ma was elected, all my friends went out to celebrate,' Mr Huang, 37, said. 'With Ma, the future is clear. There will be no war, no reunification, no independence. And that means peace.'

He was referring to the March landslide victory of Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou. On May 20, he will replace Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian, whose pro-independence administration has long been at odds with Beijing.

The implications of the Taiwan election for Fujian are enormous for individuals, companies and the economy. Mr Ma has made closer ties to the mainland a top priority, which means that once again the phrase san tong (three links or three passages) is on everyone's lips. This refers to direct links between Taiwan and the mainland for transport, trade and communications - including the postal service.