Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on Xiamen Airlines to deepen cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, spotlighting the carrier's role as a bridge between the Chinese mainland and the Taiwan region. 🌉 In a letter marking the airline's 40th anniversary, Xi praised its 'leapfrog development' from humble beginnings to a global aviation player with 400+ routes worldwide.
💡 Fun fact: Xi personally supported the airline during his tenure as Xiamen's vice mayor in the 1980s, helping it navigate early challenges. Today, the Fujian-based company transports nearly 40 million passengers annually – equivalent to moving Taiwan's entire population twice over! 🧳
Why this matters: As a frontline city facing Taiwan across the strait, Xiamen remains crucial for fostering economic and cultural connections. Xi's message emphasizes innovation and 'high-quality development' in aviation – key themes as China aims to strengthen its global transport networks. 🚀
With cross-strait travel rebounding post-pandemic, could this signal new opportunities for regional connectivity? Stay tuned for takeoff! ✈️
Reference(s):
Xi Jinping instructs Xiamen Airlines to advance cross-Straits exchange
cgtn.com