Mainland vows to boost cross-Strait tourism

Officials from the Chinese mainland say they have reached a consensus with Taiwan authorities to boost cross-strait tourism.

The Mainland and Taiwan launched individual travel programs four years ago. Over five million mainland residents have visited Taiwan since then.

The spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office, Yang Yi, said both sides have since frequently discussed problems that emerged from the program, and have pledged to find solutions soon.

Yang also said the first undersea cable connecting the Mainland and Taiwan will begin working on Friday, and it will greatly improve the quality of cross-strait communication.