China has announced plans to partially restore relations with Taiwan, including the resumption of direct flights and the importation of certain products. This decision follows a visit to Beijing by the leader of Taiwan’s opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT).
The Taiwan Affairs Office of the Communist Party of China indicated that Beijing is considering establishing a long-term communication mechanism between the Communist Party and the KMT. This would involve easing restrictions on the import of Taiwanese aquaculture products that were previously banned.
Additionally, authorities in Beijing have expressed intentions to resume direct flights between Taiwan and several cities in mainland China, including Xi’an and Urumqi. However, it remains unclear how these initiatives can be implemented without the approval of the Taiwanese government.
China has also announced plans to construct a bridge to the Taiwanese islands of Kinmen and Matsu, which are located near the mainland coast.
Prior to these announcements, KMT leader Chen Li-wun met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both parties called for the maintenance of peace, though no specific agreements were disclosed.
The Taiwanese government has criticized these actions. The Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan stated that such arrangements represent political contacts between parties that circumvent the island’s government.
“The government’s position is clear: to safeguard the interests of the nation and its people, all matters concerning cross-strait relations that involve state organs must be discussed by both governments on an equal and dignified basis to be effective and genuinely protect the rights and welfare of the people,” the council emphasized.
Relations between China and Taiwan have been strained since 2016, when the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came to power in Taiwan, advocating for greater autonomy from Beijing. Following this, China reduced official contacts and increased military presence near the island.
Beijing considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and does not rule out the use of force for reunification, while Taipei insists on its sovereignty. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has repeatedly stated the country’s readiness to defend itself, as China intensifies pressure through military exercises, aviation flights, and economic and diplomatic restrictions.
China's recent announcement to partially restore relations with Taiwan includes plans for direct flights and eased import restrictions. The Taiwanese government has criticized these moves as bypassing official channels, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two sides.