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The "mini three links," which refers to direct trade, postal and transport services launched in 2001 between Kinmen and Matsu islands and some cities in Fujian province, were established as early as 2001, providing much convenience for Taiwan compatriots traveling to the mainland. What considerations are being taken into account to promote maximum connectivity between Fujian and Taiwan and to facilitate smoother passage for Taiwan compatriots? Thank you.

Cong Liang:

Let me address this question. Thank you for your question. The "mini three links" have indeed played a positive role in promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two sides. The guidance has put forward considerations in four aspects regarding promoting maximum connectivity between Fujian and Taiwan and facilitating smoother passage for Taiwan compatriots.

First, in terms of enhancing economic and trade cooperation, we will continue to strengthen the layout and construction of major logistics infrastructure, including logistics hubs. Our focus is on improving the fundamental support for economic and trade cooperation between Fujian and Taiwan. We will introduce specific measures to ease market access for industries that hold significant influence over the integrated development of both sides. Additionally, we will formulate a set of policies and measures aimed at optimizing market access. We will also encourage the Fujian Pilot Free Trade Zone to expand pilot programs for exchanges and cooperation. Furthermore, we will provide further support for the innovative development of small-scale trade with Taiwan and actively explore institutional and policy measures to promote smooth economic and trade cooperation between the two regions.

Second, in terms of transport infrastructure connectivity, Fujian has been actively promoting transportation infrastructure planning and construction in recent years. It has built comprehensive three-dimensional transportation networks and developed the engineering and technical capabilities to connect expressways between Fujian and Taiwan. This forms a solid foundation for promoting transport infrastructure connectivity across the Straits. There has long been anticipation among various sectors on both sides for direct connectivity of infrastructure. We should work together to realize the dream of people from both sides to effortlessly cross the Straits by high-speed rail. This will facilitate the transportation of more Taiwan products to European and Asian markets via China-Europe freight trains, ultimately benefiting people on both sides of the Straits.

Third, regarding energy and resource connectivity, the mainland has built the world's largest energy system, with the achievements in green transformation of energy attracting worldwide attention. The scale of our hydropower, wind power, and photovoltaic power generation has ranked first in the world for many years, while the mainland also has the world's most advanced wind and photovoltaic power production capacity and long-distance power transmission and transformation capacity. In particular, clean energy is developing rapidly in Fujian province, and the shoals of the outer beaches in southern Fujian are suitable for the development of offshore wind power and have the conditions necessary for large-scale transmission of green electricity to Taiwan. We are willing to strengthen cross-Straits energy cooperation and jointly promote the energy transition with Taiwan.

Fourth, regarding common industry standards, in recent years, we have stepped up efforts to set up shared standards, compiled 99 cross-Straits common standards in cold chain logistics, elderly care, and food safety, providing multi-functional services and "one-stop" standardized services for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Taiwan. The guidance proposed "building a service platform for common cross-Straits standards, and encouraging industries, universities, research institutes and enterprises on both sides of the Straits to jointly formulate common industry standards." We will focus on areas concerning people's wellbeing across the Straits and further strengthen the sharing and exchange of common standards and standardized information so as to provide more accurate, efficient, and standard information services for enterprises across the Straits. Thank you.