The Taiwan Affairs Office introduces the implementation of the policy of exempting the document fees for the first-time application for Taiwan compatriot permits.

On the morning of August 27, the Taiwan Affairs Office held a routine press conference. Reporter: In late June, the mainland announced that it would waive the fee for Taiwan's "first-time visitors" to apply for Taiwan compatriot permits starting from July 1, which has been well received by the people in Taiwan. Can you please provide an update on the implementation of this policy in the past two months? Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian of the Taiwan Affairs Office: The policy of waiving the fee for Taiwan's "first-time visitors" to apply for Taiwan compatriot permits has been highly recognized and praised by the people of Taiwan since its implementation on July 1. This is reflected in two aspects: firstly, there has been a significant increase in the number of applications for Taiwan compatriot permits by "first-time visitors". In July, the number of applications for Taiwan compatriot permits by "first-time visitors" increased by 22% compared to the previous month, with those under 45 years old accounting for as high as 72%, indicating a significant increase in the willingness of young people in Taiwan to visit and communicate with the mainland. Secondly, there has been a significant increase in the number of "first-time visitors" entering the mainland. In July, the number of "first-time visitors" entering the mainland increased by 33% compared to the previous month, showing that more and more people from Taiwan are supporting and participating in cross-strait exchanges through practical actions. Seeing is believing. We welcome more Taiwanese compatriots to embark on a "seeing mainland" journey, witness the real and three-dimensional mainland with their own eyes, listen to the familiar and warm local dialects and ancient tones, and personally experience the deep affection and friendship of mainland compatriots. We will continue to introduce more policies that benefit Taiwan and its people, creating more and better conditions for cross-strait exchanges and interactions.