The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council sent a congratulatory message to mark the first anniversary of the Haixia ferry, or Straits, on Nov 30. The Haixia made its trial voyage from Pingtan to Taipei in Taiwan on the same day this year.

The ship has carried more than 100,000 passengers since it began operation at the end of 2011. With support from the Fujian provincial government and related departments, the Haixia has promoted cross-Straits communication as well as Pingtan's social and economical development.

Direct marine routes between Pingtan and Taiwan give full play to Pingtan's geographical advantages, providing more convenient cross-Straits personnel and information exchange, goods gathering and distribution, and capital flow.

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council hopes Pingtan can develop into a homeland for people from both sides of the Straits.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai