Zheng Liwen calls for a full resumption of the "small three links" and the Taiwan Affairs Office responds.

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council held a routine press conference. A journalist asked, recently, the chairman of the Chinese Nationalist Party, Zheng Liwen, stated in Penghu County that Penghu has excellent natural scenery and cultural heritage, but its development has been restricted in recent years. He called for the full reopening of the "small three links," allowing Penghu to welcome mainland tourists like Kinmen and Matsu, which is the key to the revival of tourism. What is your comment on this? Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said, "The 'small three links' are a lifeline and a bond of affection connecting people on both sides of the strait. As of June 30, 2026, the 'small three links' have safely transported more than 27 million passengers, with over 1.15 million passengers transported in the first half of this year alone, injecting strong momentum into Taiwan's tourism industry. Tourism is an important carrier of a good life and a natural bridge for promoting exchanges. We carefully listen to opinions and suggestions from all sectors in Taiwan and actively promote the resumption of Shanghai and Fujian residents visiting Kinmen and Matsu, which has been warmly welcomed by the people of Taiwan. Mainland residents are very willing to travel to various parts of Taiwan, including Penghu, but the main obstacle now lies in the Democratic Progressive Party authorities, who use various unjustifiable reasons to interfere and obstruct mainland residents from traveling to Taiwan, artificially blocking the channel for the recovery of cross-strait tourism market. I advise the DPP authorities to prioritize the interests of people on both sides of the strait and lift the restrictions on mainland residents traveling to Taiwan as soon as possible.