'Three Mini-Links' Open Between Kinmen, Matsu and Fujian Province

On January 1, 2001, Taiwan implemented the “Three Mini-Links” (xiao san tong), establishing direct transportation, trade, and postal connections between the offshore islands of Kinmen and Matsu with China’s Fujian Province, marking the first official direct links since 1949.

The Three Mini-Links

1. Direct Transportation

Ferry services between Kinmen-Xiamen
Boat connections Matsu-Fuzhou
Passenger traffic only initially
Journey time: 30-60 minutes

2. Direct Trade

Limited goods exchange
Local products emphasized
Customs procedures established
Small-scale initially

3. Direct Postal Service

Mail exchange restored
Telecommunications improved
Banking services limited
People-to-people contact

Geographic and Historical Context

Kinmen (Quemoy)

Only 2 km from Xiamen
Site of 1958 artillery battles
Population: 80,000
Military garrison reduced

Matsu

20 km from Fujian coast
Strategic military outpost
Population: 10,000
Fishing community base

Democratic Decision-Making

The policy reflected Taiwan’s democratic process:

Local Pressure

Island residents demanded links
Economic benefits prioritized
Military concerns overcome
Democratic voices heard

National Debate

Legislature extensively discussed
Security concerns raised
Economic benefits weighed
Compromise reached

Beijing’s Calculations

Strategic Objectives

Test case for broader links
Economic integration tool
United Front work opportunity
Undermine Taiwan independence

Tactical Approach

Start small and expand
Create dependencies
Influence through contact
Patient erosion strategy

Implementation Challenges

Security Concerns

Military intelligence risks
Population movement control
Customs enforcement
Coast guard coordination

Political Sensitivities

Sovereignty implications
One country vs. two systems
Documentation requirements
Flag and anthem issues

Early Results

Passenger Traffic

First year: 21,000 travelers
Mostly Taiwan businesspeople
Family reunions common
Tourism gradually developing

Economic Impact

Local businesses benefited
Property prices increased
Service sector expanded
Infrastructure investment

Different Systemic Approaches

Taiwan’s Transparency

Public hearings held
Media coverage extensive
Opposition voices aired
Regular reviews promised

China’s Control

Passenger screening strict
Political reliability checked
Information flow managed
Propaganda opportunities sought

Symbolic Significance

From Battlefield to Gateway

Kinmen’s transformation dramatic
Military tension reduced
Economic opportunity prioritized
Peace dividends visible

Testing Ground

Experiment for larger opening
Practical issues identified
Public opinion gauged
Future models developed

Political Reactions

In Taiwan

DPP Government: Cautious implementation KMT Opposition: Pushed for expansion Local Governments: Enthusiastic support Military: Grudging acceptance

In China

Propaganda victory claimed
“Compatriots” rhetoric used
Unification inevitability stressed
Independence forces “isolated”

International Observations

U.S. View

Tension reduction welcomed
Economic integration noted
Security implications watched
Stability supported

Regional Perspective

Confidence building seen
Model for other conflicts?
Economic benefits clear
Political risks remain

Expanding Pressure

Beijing immediately pushed for more:

Three Direct Links

Direct flights demanded
Shipping routes proposed
Full postal service
No “domestic” labeling

Political Conditions

One China acceptance
Independence renunciation
Unification negotiations
International space limits

Democratic Constraints

Chen administration faced dilemmas:

Economic Pressure

Business community wants expansion
Competitiveness concerns
Shanghai/Hong Kong advantages
Investment diversion fears

Security Worries

Technology transfer risks
Economic dependence dangers
Political influence concerns
Military vulnerability

Media Coverage Contrast

Taiwan’s Free Press

Detailed implementation reports
Security debates open
Economic analysis diverse
Human interest stories

China’s State Media

Unification narrative only
Economic benefits exaggerated
Political progress claimed
No criticism allowed

Long-term Implications

The Mini-Links precedent set stage for:

Gradual Integration - Step-by-step opening
Economic Leverage - Dependencies created
Political Pressure - Expansion demands
Identity Testing - Contact effects

Lessons Learned

For Taiwan

Economic benefits real
Security manageable initially
Political pressure increases
Democratic debate essential

For Beijing

Patience pays off
Economics trumps politics
Integration creates leverage
Time favors authoritarian persistence

The Three Mini-Links demonstrated how economic opening between democratic Taiwan and authoritarian China created both opportunities and vulnerabilities, setting patterns that would define cross-strait relations as Beijing sought to use economic integration to achieve political objectives that military threats had failed to accomplish.