Fujian, Kinmen to cement links

Fujian aspires to contribute to peaceful cross-Straits reunification by leveraging its unique advantages with Taiwan, noted a top provincial official.

Yu Weiguo, Party chief of Fujian province, made the remarks on Monday when meeting a visiting Kinmen County delegation headed by magistrate Yang Cheng-wu.

Yu said the province is exploring the potential for better cross-Straits connectivity in trade, infrastructure, resources and industry standards. He hoped that with joint efforts a flow of water, electricity and gas, as well as a bridge to Jinmen and Matsu from Fujian, could be realized as soon as possible.

He proposed the establishment of institutional arrangements to expand ties between Fujian and Kinmen in the sectors of economy, trade, culture, tourism and environmental protection, thus achieving a win-win result and benefiting residents on both sides of the Strait.

Yang Cheng-wu expressed gratitude for Fujian's help in Kinmen's development, expressing the hope that both sides will cement links in those sectors and in marine conservation, build a bridge and soon achieve connectivity in water, electricity and gas.

In August last year, Fujian started to supply water to Kinmen from the Jinjiang River to alleviate water shortages on the islet of Taiwan.

Fujian is closely linked with Taiwan, not just by the narrowness of the ocean channel, but also by blood ties, a common language and folk customs. Roughly 80 percent of Taiwan residents are of Fujian origin.