China Reopens Direct Flights and Trade with Taiwan

A handshake in Beijing could reconnect millions of people separated by political tension for nearly a decade.

China announced Sunday it will resume direct flights between mainland cities and Taiwan and lift import bans on Taiwanese seafood products. The move follows a high-profile meeting Friday between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Taiwan's opposition leader Cheng Li-wun, head of the Kuomintang Party.

The announcement touches on ties that China severed in recent years. Direct flights from cities like Xi'an and Urumqi to Taiwan will resume, though implementation details remain unclear. China banned individual tourist travel to Taiwan in 2019, and current Taiwanese visa rules still require Chinese visitors to hold residency in countries like the U.S. or European Union.

China also pledged to lift bans on Taiwanese aquaculture products that have hurt local farmers and businesses. Since 2021, China blocked imports of pineapples, grouper fish, squid, tuna and other fruits from the island. Taiwan responded by helping farmers diversify into new overseas markets.

Relations between China and Taiwan turned icy in 2016 when Taiwan elected President Tsai Ing-wen from the Democratic Progressive Party. Beijing cut official dialogue with Taiwan's government and began sending military planes and vessels toward the island daily.

The two leaders called for peace during their meeting without offering specific plans. Taiwan is self-ruled, but China claims the island as part of its territory, making every diplomatic gesture significant.

The Ripple Effect

The restored connections could reunite families separated by travel restrictions and revive economic opportunities for Taiwanese farmers and fishermen. China also proposed building a bridge connecting to Matsu and Kinmen, Taiwanese islands closer to the mainland, reviving a longstanding infrastructure project.

While political tensions remain complex, the practical steps toward reconnection offer hope for the millions of people on both sides who share cultural ties, business relationships and family bonds.

Small steps toward dialogue can open doors that seemed permanently closed.