As dawn breaks over Xiamen's Wutong Passenger Terminal on this January morning, ferries continue their quarter-century mission of connecting China's southeastern coast with Kinmen Island in the Taiwan region. Today marks 25 years since the historic launch of direct cross-strait transport, postal, and trade channels known as the 'mini three links' – a quiet revolution in regional connectivity.
Since that first voyage on January 2, 2001, when 179 Kinmen residents boarded ships to end 52 years of separation, these routes have facilitated over 26 million passenger journeys. Last year saw record numbers, with 1.43 million Taiwan compatriots utilizing the links despite global travel uncertainties.
The statistics tell only part of the story. For octogenarian Chen Liwei, who reunited with her Xiamen-based brother in 2001 after a 53-year separation, the ferry route represents "a bridge made of tears and laughter." Such personal stories underscore what officials describe as 'unbreakable blood ties' between communities divided by the Taiwan Strait.
Current developments suggest expanding economic integration. Recent customs data shows cross-strait trade via Fujian ports growing 8.7% year-on-year in 2025, with agricultural and tech products leading the exchange. Analysts predict new maritime logistics corridors could emerge this year, building on the existing passenger routes.
As we look ahead, the challenge remains balancing practical connectivity with political complexities. While the mini three links have transformed daily life for coastal communities, their ultimate success may lie in sustaining momentum toward comprehensive cross-strait dialogue – turning 25 years of pragmatic cooperation into foundations for lasting regional stability.
