The writer is deputy secretary-general at the Center for China and Globalization, a non-governmental think-tank
The Taiwan Strait is widely seen as one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the world. Discussions increasingly focus on military drills, arms sales and “greyzone” activities. What is striking is the absence of practical steps to lower tensions.
There is at least one area in which both sides have expressed support for de-escalation: tourism, particularly the return of mainland visitors to Taiwan. It will not resolve the deeper political disputes across the strait, but it is one of the few steps that is immediately actionable, visibly stabilising and operationally feasible.