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China’s expanded travel access for Taiwan a ‘high-visibility outreach tool’, but will it boost ties?
China appears to be ramping up outreach to Taiwan after election of new pro-Beijing KMT chairwoman.
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Beijing has expanded a "visa-on-arrival" programme to make it easier for Taiwanese to travel to and from the mainland.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Beijing expands "visa-on-arrival" for Taiwanese residents to 100 ports, allowing stays up to three months, aiming to improve cross-strait relations.
- Despite Beijing's incentives, concerns over personal safety in China are rising in Taiwan, with increased reports of detentions and restricted movement.
- Beijing promotes "reunification" by marking "Taiwan Restoration Day" and suggesting economic benefits like a "cross-strait common market", yet Taiwanese public opinion remains resistant.
AI generated
BEIJING/TAIPEI – Beijing has stepped up its outreach to Taiwan with the expansion of a “visa-on-arrival” policy, eyeing a window of opportunity to improve frosty cross-strait ties as a new leader of the China-friendly opposition Kuomintang (KMT) takes office.
Yet Beijing’s overtures are likely to have only limited appeal in Taiwan, amid concerns that the personal safety of its residents may be compromised when travelling to the mainland.
