Taiwan industries cheer Beijing’s 10-point plan to boost cross-strait ties
Measures spark hopes for hard-hit sectors in possible KMT poll boost, but ruling DPP warns about economic access as a ‘political tool’
They said the proposals from the Communist Party’s Taiwan affairs authorities could help ease pressures weighing on local industries in recent years.
Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang, also appeared relieved that the measures focused largely on economic and livelihood issues rather than politically sensitive themes.
The Taiwan Affairs Office of the Communist Party’s Central Committee unveiled the package on Sunday as KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wun concluded a six-day visit to the mainland, where she met Communist Party leader Xi Jinping – a rare milestone in cross-strait relations.
The package proposes a regular communication mechanism between the two parties, as well as expanded youth exchanges. It also includes support for infrastructure links between Fujian province – the mainland province closest to Taiwan – and the Taiwan-controlled islands of Matsu and Quemoy, also called Kinmen.
It also voices support for Quemoy sharing access to a new airport under construction in Xiamen, the Fujian city just a few kilometres away across the strait.
Among the most notable measures are the proposed resumption of individual travel by Shanghai and Fujian residents to Taiwan, expanded direct flights across the Taiwan Strait, and eased imports of Taiwanese agricultural and fishery products meeting mainland standards.