The Chinese mainland has introduced a package of 10 measures aimed at enhancing peaceful cross-Strait relations and improving the well-being of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The announcement was made Sunday by the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, coinciding with the conclusion of a visit to the mainland by a delegation led by Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party.

The measures, covering areas such as party-to-party dialogue, youth exchanges, infrastructure connectivity, cross-Strait transportation, trade facilitation, and cultural cooperation, come after a meeting held Friday between Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, and Cheng. This marks the first top-level meeting between the CPC and KMT in a decade. During the meeting, Xi emphasized the goal of developing cross-Strait relations to enable people on both sides to lead better lives and expressed willingness to share development opportunities as part of the mainland’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

The policy package proposes establishing a regularized communication mechanism between the CPC and KMT based on adherence to the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle and opposes Taiwan independence. Specific initiatives include strengthening institutionalized youth exchange programs, facilitating annual visits of Taiwan delegations to the mainland, and promoting infrastructure projects such as enhancing utility links and bridge construction between Fujian province and the islands of Kinmen and Matsu. The measures also aim to normalize direct cross-Strait passenger air services, expand trade in Taiwan’s agricultural and fishery products meeting mainland standards, support Taiwan businesses accessing mainland markets, and improve conditions for Taiwan fishing vessels.

Cultural cooperation is also highlighted, with plans to allow more Taiwan-produced content to be broadcast on the mainland and encourage joint media productions. Additionally, the mainland intends to resume individual travel permits from Shanghai and Fujian to Taiwan, building on the resumption of tours to Kinmen and Matsu since mid-2024.

KMT vice-chairman Chang Jung-kung described the package as a "gift" to the people of Taiwan, reflecting goodwill and sincerity from the mainland and providing tangible benefits. Cheng’s delegation, which toured various sites including technological innovation centers and manufacturing facilities, expressed optimism about cross-Strait cooperation in technology and innovation, noting the potential for contributions in sectors such as artificial intelligence and electric vehicles.

The mainland’s authorities framed the measures as a practical response to current cross-Strait tensions and economic uncertainties, emphasizing their commitment to expanding openness and cooperation despite what they describe as obstruction by Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). They assert that these initiatives counter attempts by the DPP to sever economic and trade ties, while underscoring the resilience of cross-Strait economic exchanges, which saw trade exceeding $52.5 billion in the first two months of the year.

Critics note that success will depend on effective implementation and ongoing cooperation, as well as responses from Taiwan’s government and society. Mainland representatives argue that any obstruction by DPP authorities would harm the interests of people on both sides and undermine regional stability and prosperity.

The policy package represents a milestone in efforts to foster more regular, institutionalized cross-Strait dialogue and exchange, reflecting both political and economic considerations amid complex regional dynamics.