The Chinese mainland announced a comprehensive 10-policy package on April 12, 2026, aimed at deepening economic, cultural, and infrastructural cooperation with the Taiwan region. The measures follow a landmark meeting between Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT), marking the first high-level cross-strait political dialogue in a decade.
Central to the initiatives is a proposed regular communication mechanism between the CPC and the KMT, anchored in adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to 'Taiwan independence.' The policies prioritize youth exchanges, with plans to invite 20 Taiwan-based youth groups annually for mainland visits, and infrastructure projects such as shared utilities between Fujian Province and Taiwan's Kinmen and Matsu islands.
Key economic measures include streamlined market access for Taiwan's agricultural and fishery products, expanded participation in mainland trade fairs, and support for small businesses. Cultural ties will be bolstered through relaxed media collaboration rules and the resumption of individual tourism from Shanghai and Fujian to Taiwan.
The package also addresses transportation, with plans to resume direct cross-strait flights to cities like Urumqi and Kunming, and the integration of Kinmen's new airport with Xiamen's upcoming aviation hub by late 2026. These efforts aim to foster 'kinship and well-being' across the Taiwan Strait, according to the CPC's Taiwan Work Office.
