BEIJING – Just days after unveiling a sweeping 10-point policy package designed to deepen people-to-people ties and economic cooperation across the Taiwan Strait, Chinese mainland authorities confirmed on Wednesday they are moving full speed ahead with implementing the new initiatives. The announcement came during a regular press briefing from Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.
The new set of measures, made public on April 12, targets long-standing barriers to cross-Strait engagement by expanding travel access and streamlining trade protocols. Key provisions include the resumption of individual travel permits for residents of Shanghai and Fujian traveling to Taiwan, as well as simplified inspection and approval procedures that make it easier for food products from qualified Taiwanese manufacturers to enter the large mainland consumer market.
In his remarks, Chen called on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan to remove the various administrative restrictions they have put in place that have disrupted cross-Strait interactions. He emphasized the urgency of eliminating these barriers to allow cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation to return to a normal, regularized pattern that benefits people on both sides of the strait.
The policy package represents the mainland’s latest targeted effort to revitalize cross-Strait connections that have faced increased headwinds in recent years, with a focus on addressing practical needs of residents and businesses on both sides. Analysts note the measures prioritize grassroots exchanges and mutually beneficial economic cooperation, aligned with longstanding mainland policy goals of promoting peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.