Taiwan Affairs Office Confirms Resumption of 4 Direct Cross-Strait Flights, Load Factor Soars to 95%! Chen Binhua Pledges Promotions to Meet Travel Demand

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, stated on July 29 that cross-strait exchanges have remained vibrant since the beginning of summer vacation. Mainland Chinese airlines have resumed four direct cross-strait flight routes, which are highly welcomed by travelers. Specifically, China Eastern Airlines resumed the Chengdu-Taichung route; Spring Airlines resumed the Ningbo-Kaohsiung route; Shandong Airlines resumed the Qingdao-Taichung route; and Zhejiang Loong Airlines resumed the Chengdu-Taichung route. The office urged Taiwan to promptly lift unreasonable restrictions on cross-strait air transport.

On July 29, the Taiwan Affairs Office held its regular press conference, hosted by Chen Binhua.

Since the start of summer vacation, four direct flight routes have already resumed operations.

A mainland media outlet asked: "Summer is a peak season for cross-strait civil exchanges. To help more Taiwanese youth visit the mainland for exchanges, research, and development, some airlines have offered discounted fares on cross-strait flights, receiving widespread praise. Could you provide details on this?"

Chen Binhua responded: "Since summer vacation began, cross-strait exchanges have remained vibrant. Mainland airlines have resumed four direct flight routes, which are highly popular among travelers."

On July 1, China Eastern Airlines resumed operations on the Chengdu to Taichung route, having completed seven round-trip flights so far, with an average load factor of 95%.

On July 4, Spring Airlines resumed operations on the Ningbo to Kaohsiung route, having completed five round-trip flights, with an average load factor of 87%.

On July 23, Shandong Airlines resumed operations on the Qingdao to Taichung route.

On July 28, Zhejiang Loong Airlines resumed operations on the Chengdu to Taichung route.

Chen Binhua confirmed that four direct flight routes have resumed since summer vacation began. Airlines have launched promotional pricing to meet cross-strait travel demand.

Chen said: "To further meet cross-strait travel demand, relevant airlines are actively resuming direct flight operations, increasing capacity, enriching product offerings, and upgrading transfer services. For example, airlines on both sides have upgraded popular routes to larger aircraft, launched promotional pricing campaigns, increased flight frequencies, and introduced bundled ticket products linking transportation, accommodation, and cultural tourism."

"I would like to reiterate that our stance on promoting the full normalization of direct cross-strait air links is positive and clear. We hope Taiwan will face the reality of cross-strait passenger air transport demand, follow public sentiment, and promptly lift unreasonable restrictions on cross-strait air transport, allowing airlines on both sides to independently schedule flights based on market demand."

A mainland media outlet asked: "Recently, a tourism trend has emerged with Taiwanese people traveling to the mainland. Some local travel agencies in Taiwan say that due to advantages such as geographical proximity, beautiful scenery, shared language, convenient living, and low prices, traveling to the mainland is an unstoppable trend—even those with political leanings toward the 'Green' camp are going anyway. The phrase 'anti-China is just a slogan, pro-China is daily life' has received widespread approval from netizens on both sides. What is your comment on this?"

Chen Binhua responded: "The vast Chinese civilization has such a long history and such a profound culture. The magnificent Chinese landscape is uniquely beautiful. Taiwanese compatriots are part of the Chinese nation; loving China is an emotional expression from the heart. 'Anti-China' is politically motivated manipulation that goes against human nature and cannot succeed or last long."

"Mainland China offers diverse seasonal scenery and naturally stunning landscapes. From cultural landmarks with millennia of history, such as the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, to world-renowned natural wonders like Huangshan, Zhangjiajie, and the Guilin karst landscape, there is the elegant charm of the Jiangnan water towns where one can 'sleep on a painted boat listening to the rain,' the majestic grandeur of the northwestern deserts where the 'setting sun over the long river is round,' and the vast, misty seas where the 'bright moon rises over the sea.'"

"Mainland China's cultural tourism industry is well-developed, with convenient transportation and a comprehensive high-speed rail network. Public service systems for accommodation, dining, and tour guiding are complete. The interplay of multiculturalism brings intangible cultural heritage crafts, distinctive cuisines, and folk activities to life, serving both tourism and cultural education purposes. We warmly welcome our Taiwanese compatriots to visit more often, to enjoy the magnificent mountains and rivers, explore historical sites, and witness the new achievements of development, thereby strengthening their pride and confidence as Chinese people."