TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister Hsu Chia-ching (徐佳青) of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (僑務委員會) announced on Friday (Oct. 4) that nearly 5,000 overseas Taiwanese are expected to participate in this year's National Day celebrations, which marks the highest turnout in eight years.
China has reportedly offered these packages to encourage Taiwanese expatriates to visit China rather than return to Taiwan.
Minister Hsu noted that while China's tactics grow annually, the quality of Taiwan's domestic tourism and cultural activities continues to improve, drawing expatriates back home.
"Since 2023, the influx of overseas compatriots returning to Taiwan has been increasing, especially during the presidential election in January, the presidential inauguration ceremony in May, and the National Day celebrations in October," she said.
Hsu attributes China's low-cost tour initiative to its economic downturn, acknowledging potential political motives but doubting its appeal to overseas Taiwanese.
When the media pressed about these tours' impact, Hsu stated that more than 4,000 people had registered online for the National Day events, with an additional 1,000 expected to register on-site. "Shows that such tours' impact is limited," she added.