China to Resume Some Ties with Taiwan Including Direct Flights
China announced on April 12, 2026, that it would resume certain suspended ties with Taiwan, including the restoration of direct flights to additional mainland cities and the lifting of bans on Taiwanese aquaculture imports. This decision follows a high-profile meeting in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, held on April 10. The Taiwan Work Office stated it would explore establishing a long-term communication mechanism with the KMT and facilitate the import of previously banned products such as grouper fish and pineapples. Additionally, Beijing expressed intent to proceed with a bridge project connecting the Taiwanese islands of Matsu and Kinmen to the mainland. Relations between the two sides have been strained since 2016, when the Democratic Progressive Party came to power in Taipei, leading Beijing to cut official dialogue and increase military pressure. While both leaders called for peace during their meeting, specific implementation details for the new measures remain unclear. The move signals a potential thaw in cross-strait relations through engagement with the opposition party rather than the current Taiwanese government.
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China to Resume Some Ties with Taiwan Including Direct Flights
China announced on April 12, 2026, that it would resume certain suspended ties with Taiwan, including the restoration of direct flights to additional mainland cities and the lifting of bans on Taiwanese aquaculture imports. This decision follows a high-profile meeting in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, held on April 10. The Taiwan Work Office stated it would explore establishing a long-term communication mechanism with the KMT and facilitate the import of previously banned products such as grouper fish and pineapples. Additionally, Beijing expressed intent to proceed with a bridge project connecting the Taiwanese islands of Matsu and Kinmen to the mainland. Relations between the two sides have been strained since 2016, when the Democratic Progressive Party came to power in Taipei, leading Beijing to cut official dialogue and increase military pressure. While both leaders called for peace during their meeting, specific implementation details for the new measures remain unclear. The move signals a potential thaw in cross-strait relations through engagement with the opposition party rather than the current Taiwanese government.
AP News