Chinese Vice Minister Rao Quan reportedly announced an easing of restrictions on visits by delegations from Taiwan’s main opposition Kuomintang seeking closer ties with China.
The move comes ahead of an inauguration ceremony for Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te, whom China calls a separatist.
Nikkei Asia reported that travel to Taiwan’s Matsu Islands near the coast of Fujian will first be allowed, with group travel set to restart once ferry services between Pingtan, Fujian and the main island of Taiwan resume.
In 2019, China implemented travel restrictions on individual travel by mainland residents, including Fujian. Lai is now the term-limited Vice President of Tsai Ing-wen and is running as the Democratic Progressive Party’s 2024 presidential candidate.
As the Kuomintang emerged as the largest party in Taiwan’s legislative elections in January, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s leadership has sought to strengthen ties with the party.
According to Nikkei Asia, Xi Jinping met with former Taiwan Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing earlier this month, the first meeting in more than eight years, and expressed appreciation for Ma Ying-jeou’s efforts to oppose Taiwan independence and promote cross-strait peaceful development. (Arnie)
This report is automatically generated by the ANI news service. ThePrint is not responsible for its content.
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