Overview
The China-Taiwan Travel Act is an agreement signed in 2018 by the two sides across the Taiwan Strait. This legislation enables travellers from Taiwan to travel to China for individual or business-related applications. According to Xinhua News Agency, the Act also contains mutual provisions for visa-free entry, as well as visa exemptions for people travelling for humanitarian purposes and those having close family members on either side of the Strait. The Act contains regulations for taking effect from February 28, 2019, which had been changed from April 30, 2018 after a delay that followed the change of Taiwan’s leadership in May 2016 – with the primary purpose of safeguarding cross-strait stability.
Background
With the enactment of this pact, Chinese and Taiwanese citizens can enjoy visa-free travel between China and Taiwan; for citizens from Taiwan visiting China, the visa-exempt application period has been extended from 15 days to 30 days. Currently, as a result of this agreement, the approval rate from Chinese is relatively higher than that of Taiwan.
Most travelers and experts agree that the primary intent of this agreement is to strengthen the ties and communication between two governments. According to the National Taiwan University professor, Huang Fu-hsing, “This agreement is an important milestone for promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two sides”.
Economic Impact
The Act is expected to bolster Taiwan’s sluggish economy as travelers from mainland China account for nearly 10 percent of all international visitors in the area. As of 2018, mainland Chinese tourists have increased by 72 percent since the Travel Act was first implemented. This increase was followed by a 5.3 percent increase in international visitors from all other countries for 2018.
The increased number of people visiting from across the Strait and from other countries is expected to bring more international business opportunities. This is expected to benefit various sectors of the economy, such as tourist attractions, local transportation services, small businesses, restaurant businesses and more. This will result in job opportunities and economic growth, and it is estimated that the Taiwan’s GDP could increase by up to 0.11 percent because of this agreement.
Humanitarian & Cultural Exchange
The Travel Act is sending out a powerful message of goodwill and peace between both sides of the Strait. People can now travel from each side and see, first-hand, the local culture and customs of each other’s countries. This helps create a sense of understanding and respect.
The Act also allows travellers with family members on both sides to apply for a humanitarian visa to travel for personal and family circumstances. This Provision is expected to benefit a wide range of people, including individuals needing medical or financial help from family members, as well as ethnic Chinese families with relatives in both countries.
Technological Advancement
The Act is also expected to help drive technological advancement across both countries. It is forecast that the tourism industry will significantly benefit from developments in smart technology to use artificial intelligent (AI) platforms to improve services.
The introduction of technology advancements has brought a more convenient and efficient travel experience. This includes efficient application processing, and automated, efficient services for travelers on their trip. For example, AI systems can help to better manage the flow of travelers, and will provide more accurate information and coordination services when travelers need help or support.
Security Landscape
The Act has tightened security measures for travelers. As a result of the implementation of the Travel Act, the security landscape across both sides of the Strait has become increasingly strict.
This has included the introduction of high-tech security systems, such as facial recognition, and the increased presence of security personnel in airports and other transportation hubs. The Act has also improved the communication between China and Taiwan’s security systems, both to improve efficiency and to better adapt and respond to possible threats.
Political Impact
With the passing of the Travel Act, a number of political exchanges have also been initiated between China and Taiwan. In April 2018, President Tsai Ing-wen became the first sitting leader of Taiwan to visit mainland China since 1949. This visit was seen as a significant step in the improvement of cross-strait relations.
Since then, both sides have opened communication channels to promote the exchange of political views and dialogue. Leaders of both sides discussed areas of potential future collaboration, particularly in economics and culture. The implication of this agreement has increased the chances of cooperation and peace.
Social Media Influence
Social media networks, such as Wechat and Weibo, have become the primary platforms for international travelers from both sides to communicate with one another and share information. Mainland Chinese travelers are flocking to Taiwan’s social media networks to update themselves on news from Taiwan and explore travel opportunities.
In addition, as a result of the Travel Act, both sides are sharing cultural information more widely on these social media networks, enhancing the cultural exchange opportunities between both sides. This is boosting the presence of Taiwan on social media, attracting more international interest and exposure in the process.
Public Opinion
The general public across both sides of the Strait are feeling uncertain and conflicted about the implications of the Travel Act. In Taiwan, there are some people that are against the Act, as they are concerned about Taiwan losing its autonomy and being swallowed up by China.
But there are also people in Taiwan that view this Act positively, as they feel it could reduce the barriers and open a new era for understanding. As such, many of the people in Taiwan have welcomed this initiative and are optimistic about the possibility of achieving peace and friendly relations between the two sides of the Strait.
Conclusion
The China-Taiwan Travel Act is a landmark milestone between the two sides. For the first time in history, a unified agreement has been signed between the two sides, allowing the free flow of travelers and business opportunities. The Act is expected to bring positive impacts on the economic, humanitarian, cultural, political and social landscapes of both countries. It will create more job opportunities, better technology, enhanced security and increased communication between the two sides. The only challenge will be to ensure that any potential conflicts do not arise due to the increased interactions between China and Taiwan.
