TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Chairperson Chan Chih-hung responded on Thursday to Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Zhu had expressed hopes for revitalizing cross-strait tourism, which has been stalled since China suspended individual travel to Taiwan in 2019. Chan noted that Taiwan proposed plans for cross-strait tourism last year, but received no response from China.
In August 2019, China halted individual mainland residents' travel to Taiwan, citing deteriorating cross-strait relations. Between August and September last year, Taiwan's Tourism Bureau began discussions to reopen tourism and airlines expressed readiness to expand flight services. However, travel operators are still awaiting clear guidance from mainland authorities.
During the "Ma-Xi Meeting" in April, Chinese leader Xi Jinping invited Taiwanese to visit the mainland, signaling a potential thaw in travel restrictions. Chan emphasized Taiwan's commitment to safe and orderly cross-strait exchanges amidst ongoing COVID-19 concerns, noting that individuals could apply through a special process for travel to Taiwan. The government is prepared to assist travelers in adhering to pandemic-related regulations.