China's 10 Taiwan Policy Measures: Chen Shih-kai Says 'Olive Branch May Turn into a Stick'
Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai criticized China for using tourism as a political bargaining chip and urged a return to established communication channels. He noted that existing cross-strait flight capacity exceeds current demand and emphasized stability in Taiwan's tourism market.
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- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 10:44
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 11:01 (16 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 17:13 (6h 12m after Collected)
Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai responded to China's announcement of 10 measures regarding Taiwan by urging Beijing not to use tourism as a political prerequisite. During a legislative hearing, Chen noted that while 420 weekly flights are planned for 10 cross-strait destinations, only 310 are currently operating, indicating sufficient capacity. He pointed out that China's latest opening is limited to Shanghai and Fujian, showing continued restrictions on Chinese tourists. Chen also addressed rising oil prices due to Middle East tensions, stating that fuel surcharges and government stabilization measures will minimize the impact on passengers.
FAQ
What is the status of cross-strait flight capacity?
There are 420 planned weekly flights, but only 310 are operating, suggesting that current capacity meets demand.