Taiwan opened tourism office in China

Taiwan on Tuesday opened its first office in China, aiming to promote tourism, in yet another sign of warming ties between the former rivals.

China will open a counterpart office in Taipei later this week as part of reciprocal steps aimed at opening up tourism links between the two.

Since taking office in 2008, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has actively promoted ties with Beijing.

“The purpose is to introduce Taiwan’s scenery and landscapes to mainland people, and promote mutual understanding and interaction between the sides through tourism. That’s the most important goal,” said Yang Ruizong, head of the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association office in Beijing.

Yang is the first senior Taiwanese official to be based in Beijing, a key milestone in bilateral ties after decades of hostility, while cross-strait relations are at their warmest in years under Ma’s tenure. Despite the split 60 years ago, China continues to claim the self-ruled island of Taiwan as part of its territory.

Since Ma was elected, the sides have resumed high-level dialogues, set up regular direct transportation links and allowed a greater number of Chinese tourists to visit in the hope of boosting Taiwan’s economy.

On Friday, China’s Cross-Straits Tourism Exchange Association will open its offices in Taiwan.

In the absence of official ties, the two offices will also work informally to handle travel problems and disputes, along with other difficulties, for their tourists.

“We’ll work to help travelers who come upon difficulties or need assistance,” Yang said, though he added that the office does not issue visas.

Taiwanese officials are hopeful that tourism will help to promote better relations.