Taipei, June 29 (CNA) American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Sandra Oudkirk spent Tuesday and Wednesday visiting the Matsu Islands, where she talked with Lienchiang Magistrate Wang Chung-ming (王忠銘) about cross-Taiwan Strait issues.
"Thrilled to be here for my first visit to the unique and fascinating Matsu Islands! Enjoyed the opportunity to meet with local officials, business leaders, and civil society representatives to learn about the local context, people's perspectives, and natural beauty found here," Oudkirk said in a social media post Thursday.
According to the Lienchiang County government, Oudkirk was interested in the impact of direct ferry links with China on Matsu's economy.
She was also interested in a recent meeting between Matsu and Chinese officials in Fuzhou, and how Matsu had successfully resumed dialogue with China after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the county government said.
Oudkirk also spoke about issues relating the intrusions of Chinese sand-dredging vessels and the light pollution caused by Chinese fishing ships around Matsu, the government added.
Wang said that the Matsu-Fuzhou meeting this year centered around issues key to both sides, such as environmental issues and economic development, adding that geographical proximity means the two can develop effectively by collaborating on mutually beneficial activities, according to the county government.
