For the first time in sixty-five years, China and Taiwan agreed to formal government-level dialogue at a meeting on Tuesday in Nanjing. China and Taiwan have not had formal relations since 1949. Though the meeting was largely symbolic, it was touted as a success, and an important step toward continued thawing relations. 

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China has not formally recognized the government of Taiwan since it broke away from the mainland at the end of the Chinese civil war. Past attempts at relations have been conducted at an informal level. According to the U.S. government, China has 1,200 missiles pointed at Taiwan, and has threatened force if Taiwan ever declares formal independence. Eighty percent of Taiwanese people oppose the idea of reunification and support Taiwan’s quasi-independence. The self-governing island has held democratic elections since 1996. 

Tourism has surged since the creation of direct flights between the mainland and the island, with over three million Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan last year.

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