China News Agency, Beijing, January 7th, title: "Miniature Three Links" Resumption of Cross-Strait Non-governmental Exchanges and Exchanges Is Unstoppable

  China News Agency reporter Rong Haisheng

  The Guimao New Year is approaching, and the cross-Strait "Minor Three Links" passenger routes, which have been suspended for nearly three years, will be partially resumed on the 7th.

Under the surge of public opinion, this approach of the DPP authorities is regarded as a political compromise of last resort, and the reduced "miniature three links" cannot meet the actual needs of Taiwan compatriots.

On January 7, the inaugural flight of the Xiamen-Jinjin Passenger Line resumed operation from Xiamen Wutong Passenger Terminal to Kinmen.

Photo by Zhong Xin issued by China News Agency

  Since its opening in 2001, the "miniature three links" have provided great convenience for people on both sides of the strait to communicate closely.

As of February 9, 2020, more than 22 million passengers traveled between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait through the Xiamen-Jinjiang route and the two-Malaysia route.

Subsequently, the DPP authorities unilaterally interrupted the direct exchanges between the coastal areas of Fujian and the Kinmen and Matsu areas under the pretext of epidemic prevention, seriously affecting the exchanges and exchanges between people on both sides of the strait, especially people from Fujian and Taiwan.

  In the past three years, under the pretext of epidemic prevention and control, the DPP authorities have done everything possible to hinder the normal exchanges and exchanges between the two sides of the strait, trying to create a "decoupling" between the two sides of the strait and sow the feelings of compatriots on both sides of the strait.

Not only were the "miniature three links" blocked, but the 61 mainland destinations for cross-strait air direct flights were also significantly reduced to four by the DPP authorities.

  At present, although the global new crown virus pandemic is not over yet, Taiwan has opened entry restrictions to all parts of the world, but it is treated differently for the mainland, making it difficult for many Taiwanese who work and study in the mainland to return home.

  The Taiwanese people’s strong demands for travel between the two sides of the strait were unstoppable. After several delays, the DPP authorities reluctantly resumed the “miniature three links” and limited passengers to the Jinma area and mainland spouses. Other Taiwanese people still cannot pass The "miniature three links" were diverted back to Taiwan, causing strong dissatisfaction among Taiwan compatriots on the mainland, who condemned the Taiwan authorities for failing to live up to the expectations of the people.

  The Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival for all Chinese people.

It is human nature to provide more convenient and economical channels to return home, so that people can reunite with relatives and friends.

However, the actions of the DPP authorities still run through the thinking of confrontation with the mainland, even at the expense of the interests and well-being of the people of Taiwan, going against the general trend of cross-strait exchanges and going against public opinion.

  On the other hand, the mainland has always adhered to the concept of "the two sides of the strait are one family", continued to deepen the integration and development of the two sides of the strait, created conditions to promote cross-strait exchanges, and provided services for Taiwan compatriots.

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council issued a notice a few days ago, requiring all localities to provide convenience for Taiwan businessmen from Taiwan and their families to travel across the Strait, and to do a good job in assisting Taiwan businessmen to travel back and forth after the resumption of the "miniature three links".

At the same time, relevant departments such as Fujian border inspection, customs, and maritime affairs, which are across the sea from Baodao, have made full preparations in advance.

  Decades of development of cross-strait relations have proved that exchanges benefit both sides, while isolation hurts both.

Against the backdrop of a weak global economy, the normalization of cross-strait personnel exchanges and exchanges and cooperation is conducive to the healthy development of the regional economy and the peace and stability of cross-strait relations.

The general trend of cross-strait non-governmental exchanges is unstoppable, and the DPP authorities should follow suit.

(Finish)