President Tsai Ing-wen was in Matsu on Monday morning to inspect the troops. She also highlighted the government’s work to improve transport links to the island chain, which lies just off the coast of southern China.
Tsai said the government has approved NT$1.14 billion (US$37 million) for a new ship that will transport passengers between the islands and Taiwan proper. She also spoke about a proposed bridge that will link the two main islands of Matsu. The proposal was deemed feasible after a study last year and is now in the planning stage.
Tsai said there are also plans to build facilities to house airplanes and helicopters. This will help improve air links and make medical evacuations from the islands easier.
Meanwhile, Tsai said a tourism subsidy program planned for the winter includes a NT$1,000 bonus for lodging in outlying islands like the Matsu chain. She said she hopes people will visit the islands to appreciate their special religious, cultural, historic, and military significance.
News Source：RTI
Editor：John Van Trieste
