Amidst the hustle and bustle of a crowded cruise, an intercom blares, prompting Chinese tourists to rush to the upper decks for a view of what has drawn them all to Taiwan: its democratic, self-governed status.
As Taiwan enters the final stretch of an intense election campaign, the global spotlight is on this island, with its election outcome determining the trajectory of Taiwan's relationship with mainland China.
While Taipei's newspapers extensively cover the high-stakes election, the headlines across the Taiwan Strait remain consistent, dominated by one figure: Xi Jinping.
The Chinese leader has declared the inevitability of China's reunification with Taiwan, and his government has issued warnings about the perceived dangers of supporting independence-leaning candidates, particularly Lai Ching-te, the frontrunner for the presidency.
On a three-story sightseeing boat cruising past the Kinmen Islands, administered by Taiwan and located less than five kilometres from the mainland, a Chinese tourist expressed his hopes for reunification. Huang Ling, a 41-year-old from Hubei province, sees benefits in unity, envisioning a prosperous country with a strong populace. He emphasises the commonality of Chinese identity among people on both sides of the strait.
Another tourist, a man in his mid-fifties named Chen, shares his curiosity about the islands, recounting a personal connection to Taiwan through his father's friend, a Kuomintang member who moved to Taiwan during the war.
The emotional reunion between friends separated by political strife resonates with Chen, highlighting the complexities of the historical ties between Taiwan and mainland China.
As the cruise progresses, the boat reaches its closest point to Kinmen, prompting tourists to hurry back to the upper decks for selfies with the islands in the background. Meanwhile, on the mainland coast, a red sign advocating "One Country, Two Systems, Unify China" serves as a visible reminder of China's stance on reunification, referencing a model previously applied to Hong Kong. Tourists on the beach pose with Chinese flags, emphasising the political message as they gaze towards Taiwan.
The connection to Taiwan remains a recurring theme, with travel guides on the mainland frequently mentioning Taiwan and visitors attempting to catch a glimpse through binoculars. Vendors seize the opportunity to attract attention, offering "cheap tickets for a look towards Taiwan's Kinmen island." The scene reflects the complex dynamics of cross-strait relations, where political slogans, historical ties, and the desire for unity coexist with the curiosity of tourists seeking a closer look at a distant yet significant neighbour.
