China on Sunday announced plans to restore select relations with Taiwan, including direct flights to more mainland cities and the resumption of imports of Taiwanese aquaculture products.The announcement came as senior leaders from China’s ruling Communist Party and Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang Party held talks, indicating a possible thaw in limited areas of engagement.China’s labor office in Taiwan said it would explore establishing a “long-term liaison mechanism” with the Kuomintang and facilitate the import of Taiwanese aquaculture goods, which have been restricted in recent years, the AP reported.The move follows a high-level meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kuomintang leader Cheng Liwen, in which both sides called for peace but did not outline specific steps.As part of the measures, Beijing said it plans to resume direct flights between Taiwan and additional mainland cities such as Xi’an and Urumqi, although implementation details remain unclear. China had previously reduced travel links, including banning individual tourist visits to Taiwan in 2019.
Trade restrictions are also set to be eased. China has imposed a ban on a range of Taiwanese agricultural and marine products since 2021, including pineapple, grouper, squid and tuna. The latest announcement indicates a partial reversal of these restrictions.Beijing also reiterated its plans to boost infrastructure proposals such as a bridge linking mainland China to Taiwan-controlled islands including Matsu and Kinmen, a project previously floated by Chinese authorities.Cross-Strait relations have remained tense since 2016, when Taiwan elected Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party, after which Beijing suspended most official dialogue and increased military activity across the island.In response to the developments, Taiwan said it would continue its efforts to help its farmers and companies diversify export markets to reduce dependence on China.