The total export value of cross-border e-commerce handled via the maritime route between Xiamen City in east China's Fujian Province and China's Taiwan region stood at 485 million yuan (about 63 million U.S. dollars) upon its first anniversary, according to Xiamen Customs.
Xiamen Port opened its first direct cross-border e-commerce maritime transport route to Taiwan in April 2023 to meet the growing demand for exports to Taiwan. It features a shorter distance, faster speed and lower cost, compared with the "mini three inks", direct trade, postal and transport services which were launched in 2001 between Kinmen and Matsu, two islands attached to Taiwan, and Fujian, a coastal province in the mainland.
"The route runs twice a week and currently runs between Xiamen Port, Keelung Port and Taichung Port. Compared with the 'mini three links' route connecting the outlying islands, the direct 'big three links' route boasts the advantages of short voyage, short time, low cost and being free of a second transit. After placing orders online, Taiwan compatriots will receive high-quality goods from the mainland in as soon as five days," said Huang Juncheng, manager of the Shipping Department of Xiamen Port City International Shipping Agency Co., Ltd.
The cross-border e-commerce maritime route is the third one after the opening of the "Silk Road Shipping" e-commerce express line in June 2022 and the "mini three links", providing cross-border e-commerce enterprises with a more efficient, more stable and more convenient channel to Taiwan and building a new bridge for cross-Strait economic and trade cooperation.
"We have established a 'one-stop' service platform for filing, warehousing, logistics and customs clearance to ensure that cross-border e-commerce goods will be quickly delivered by the e-commerce express line after customs declaration in the customs supervision center, and it only takes 2.5 hours for the goods from entering the warehouse to being loaded onto the ship," said Wang Chang, director of the Supervision Department for Bonded Goods of Dongdu Customs under Xiamen Customs.
Cross-border e-commerce maritime route catalyzes trade across Taiwan Straits
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
