Taiwan’s government announced on Thursday that, starting this month, it will once again permit Chinese tourists and business individuals to visit the island. This move aims to resume exchanges that were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and foster diplomatic goodwill with Beijing.
While China has been gradually reopening travel permissions for its citizens to various tourist hotspots, including Japan, Taiwan has yet to be reinstated on China’s approved list. This stems from a decision made in 2019 when China ceased issuing individual tourism permits for Taiwan, reflecting heightened tensions surrounding the island, which Beijing claims as its own territory.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for China policy-making, disclosed that starting Monday, businesspeople from China can apply for short-term visits, such as attending exhibitions. Additionally, from September 1, Taiwanese authorities will welcome Chinese residents of third countries as tourists.
Taiwan plans to cap daily arrivals for tour groups from China at 2,000 individuals. However, the specific commencement date will depend on China’s response, according to the council’s statement. As of now, there has been no immediate reaction from China to this announcement.
Taiwan’s government has been actively working to improve relations with China, starting with less contentious issues like tourism. Nevertheless, China has often placed blame on Taiwan for problems such as the slow resumption of direct flights between the two territories.
Tourism may not be the primary pillar of Taiwan’s technology-focused economy, but the island has become an increasingly popular destination, especially among Asian tourists who are drawn by its renowned culinary offerings, historical sites, and picturesque landscapes. Taiwan has set an ambitious target of welcoming 6 million tourists this year.
