Taiwan Rejects Penghu 'Mini-Three-Links' Proposal Over Security Fears

Officials in Penghu County and the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party are advocating for the reopening of a "mini-three-links" sea route connecting the island to mainland China. They argue that such a route would revitalize Penghu's tourism industry, which has seen a decline due to a shrinking domestic travel market.

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The mini-three-links should include Penghu. If Penghu can open the mini-three-links, Chinese tourists will come, and tourism will immediately come back to life, allowing the people of Penghu to make a lot of money.

KMT Chairperson Chu Chen-wen has publicly supported the initiative, stating that direct access for Chinese tourists would significantly boost Penghu's economy. Similarly, China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian has indicated that mainland citizens are willing to travel to various parts of Taiwan, including Penghu.

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We are seriously listening to the opinions and suggestions from all walks of life in Taiwan. Mainland residents are very willing to travel to various parts of Taiwan, including Penghu.

However, national security officials have raised significant concerns about the proposal. They point to Penghu's critical strategic location, noting that it is a primary target for the People's Liberation Army in any potential conflict scenario. The recent increase in Chinese military incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone and across the median line of the Taiwan Strait has heightened these security worries.

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Currently, there are no plans to open it.

Officials stated that while Penghu businesses see the economic benefits enjoyed by Kinmen and Matsu from Chinese tourism, the current geopolitical climate makes opening such a route unfeasible. The lack of direct dialogue channels between China and Taiwan on tourism matters, coupled with ongoing military provocations, contributes to the government's cautious stance. The National Security Council has concluded that opening the Penghu route carries security risks and is not currently under consideration.

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Penghu's strategic location is very important and sensitive. With China's continuous military aircraft and ship harassment, the possibility of the Penghu mini-three-links is not high.