After years of tension, China signals thaw with Taiwan
Photo: Taiwan flag (Getty Images)
China has announced plans to partially restore ties with Taiwan, including the resumption of direct flights and imports of certain products. The move comes after a visit to Beijing by a leader of Taiwan's opposition, the Associated Press reports.
According to a statement from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Communist Party of China, Beijing is considering the creation of a long-term communication mechanism between the Communist Party of China and the Kuomintang (KMT). It also includes easing imports of Taiwanese aquaculture products, which were previously banned.
Beijing also announced plans to resume direct flights between Taiwan and several mainland Chinese cities, including Xi'an and Urumqi. However, it is still unclear how these measures could be implemented without approval from Taiwan’s government.
In addition, China said it plans to build a bridge to the Taiwanese islands of Kinmen and Matsu, which are located near the mainland coast.
Earlier, Kuomintang leader Cheng Li-wun met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The sides called for maintaining peace but did not announce any concrete agreements.
At the same time, Taiwan’s government strongly criticized these moves. The island's Mainland Affairs Council said such arrangements are political contacts between parties that bypass the government.
"The government's position is clear: to ensure the interests of the nation and its people, all Cross-Strait affairs involving public power must be negotiated by both governments on an equal and dignified basis to be effective and truly protect the rights and well-being of the people," the statement said.
Conflict between China and Taiwan
Relations between China and Taiwan have remained tense since 2016, when the Democratic Progressive Party, which supports greater autonomy from Beijing, came to power on the island. Since then, China has reduced official contacts and increased its military presence near Taiwan.
Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and does not rule out the use of force for "reunification," while Taipei insists on its sovereignty. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has repeatedly said the country is ready to defend itself, while China continues to increase pressure through military drills, air force flights, and economic and diplomatic restrictions.
At the same time, Beijing has openly warned the US and its allies about consequences for supporting Taiwan and has vowed a “strong response” if weapons are supplied.
Against this backdrop, Western intelligence agencies do not rule out a possible military invasion of Taiwan as early as 2026, making any signals of “warming” in relations particularly sensitive.
