TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) will visit Kinmen on Friday (Aug. 23) to preside over the 66th anniversary commemoration of the August 23 Artillery Battle victory. This marks his first visit to the frontline for a major event since the end of the Kinmen-Xiamen maritime conflict, drawing significant attention.
Thursday afternoon, Kinmen's delegation, including Kuomintang Legislator Chen Yu-jen (陳玉珍) and Kinmen County Council Speaker Hung Yun-tien (洪允典) will meet with the Director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, Song Tao (宋濤), potentially bringing news about reopening independent travel for mainland Chinese tourists to Kinmen as early as October.
Chen previously expressed hope that Lai would extend an olive branch to foster cross-strait goodwill during his visit, and enhance Kinmen's tourism prospects.
According to United Daily News, Lai will host the commemoration ceremony accompanied by Secretary-General to the President, Pan Men-an (潘孟安), and Minister of National Defense, Wellington Koo (顧立雄). He will then visit Haiyin Temple on Mount Taiwu, dine with military personnel, and return to Taiwan on the presidential aircraft.
Tourism operators urge Lai to speak positively in Kinmen, minimizing any strong remarks that could complicate the anticipated travel policy. The Ministry of National Defense (MND) typically expands commemorations every five or ten years, but Lai's attendance has heightened security preparations.
Observers await Lai's visit, wondering if he will make any bold declarations or speeches. His actions and words could significantly impact cross-strait relations and Kinmen's tourism industry.
