The normally on-target Japan Times ジャパンタイムズ has an overly optimistic editorial on the recent developments in relations between China and Taiwan ("Cross-strait relations take off"):
"The Taiwan Strait 台湾海峡 shrank last week as China and Taiwan began the first regularly scheduled nonstop flights between them. The flights will boost the Taiwanese economy and facilitate ties between the island and the mainland. Most important, however, they will give ordinary citizens on both sides of the strait a better understanding of each other. This should help build better relations, draining tension from a regional flash point."
Layman I may be, but other than hotel operators, restaurateurs and souvenir vendors in a few targeted areas, I don't see how the overall economy is going to benefit much from a small influx of Chinese tourists. Also, as I imagine the mainlanders are going to be bundled onto tightly-organized package tours, I don't see much interaction happening (other than with the aforementioned hotel staff, servers and trinket sellers), unless they happen to run into protesters from Falun Gong 法輪功.
Meanwhile, the rush to embrace China goes on:
"The Taipei 台北 government also allowed exchange between the Taiwanese and Chinese currencies, expanded cross-strait travel by ferry via offshore islands to all Taiwanese citizens, and allowed Taiwanese mutual funds to put more of their capital in mainland assets. It is contemplating lifting restrictions on mainland investment by Taiwanese businesses, allowing Chinese investment in Taiwan's real estate, and allowing Taiwanese banks to do retail business in the mainland."
And in return, the Chinese have upgraded the missiles they have pointing at this island. Yes, things are looking up!
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