Xiamen-Kinmen 'Mini Three Links' Passenger Volume Exceeds 24 Million in 25 Years
The Xiamen-Kinmen 'Mini Three Links' passenger route has exceeded 24 million total trips since opening in 2001, marking 25 years of cross-strait connectivity.
The Milestone
- Total passengers: 24 million (crossed April 1, 2026)
- Route: Xiamen (mainland) to Kinmen (Taiwan)
- Opened: January 2, 2001
- Duration: 25 years
- Growth rate: Last million took only 6 months (fastest ever)
Significance
- Described as the 'golden channel' for cross-strait exchange
- Most active and convenient route between mainland and Taiwan
- Witnessed transition from 'ice-breaking' to 'thriving' exchanges
Analysis
The 24 million passenger milestone is a reminder that cross-strait people-to-people connectivity has grown steadily for 25 years regardless of political tensions. The Mini Three Links route operates daily, serving tourists, business travelers, and families with cross-strait ties. The fact that the last million passengers came in just 6 months indicates accelerating demand despite the current DPP administration's cooler cross-strait policies.
This data point complicates the DPP's anti-engagement posture. While DPP politicians threaten prison for visiting the mainland (as seen with Zheng Liwen), 24 million people have used this route to cross the strait. The gap between political rhetoric and people's actual behavior is enormous and growing.