Travel by Shanghai residents to Kinmen, Matsu set to resume

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Wednesday announced that travel by Shanghai residents to Kinmen and Matsu will resume in the near future.

The ministry said on its website that the decision is made in order to further promote the normalization of cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges and the regularization of exchanges in various fields, and enhance the interests and well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Currently, all preparations are underway, said the ministry, expressing hope that the tourism industries on both sides of the Strait will strengthen communication and coordination to provide high-quality services and products for mainland residents traveling to Kinmen and Matsu.

Responding to a related query, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said the decision is a concrete measure that meets the earnest expectations of compatriots on both sides of the Strait to strengthen exchanges, and responds to the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan region that desires peace, development, exchanges and cooperation.

Chen expressed hope that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities will lift the restrictions and prohibitions on cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and resume mainland residents' travel to Taiwan at an early date.