THE KINMENESE TRACKS

After over 50 years of rivalry between Taiwan and China, the "three links" plan to open direct channels for postal, communications and trade between... More

After over 50 years of rivalry between Taiwan and China, the "three links" plan to open direct channels for postal, communications and trade between Taiwan and China is still just a plan. Meanwhile the "mini three links" connecting Taiwan and China via Kinmen and Matsu have just opened... 　 ...and the people have awoken to life again. 　 ...Kinmen has no train, yet the shoreline is encircled by railroad tracks. If all the racks were connected together, they would stretch far enough to take a train from Taipei to Taichung. These tracks once served to defend Kinmen from the enemy, but today you see people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait casually crossing this barricade of railroad tracks to avoid getting wet when they come ashore to engage in lively trading sessions. By day, the seaside is a place for people to go about their peaceful lives - farming oysters, fishing, gazing at the sea... The slogan "Unification Through the Three Principles of the People" (三民主義，統一中國) faces Taiwan, while the slogan "Unification Through 'One Country Two Systems' Principle" (一國兩制，統一中國) silently faces the faraway shores of Xiamen. 　 By night, under the backdrop of cross-strait antagonism and the mini three links policy, the seaside becomes a trading post for rice, mushrooms, oysters, eggs, jackets, rain boots, sandals, carpets, chairs, tables, stoves, bicycles... One by one, the boats land on the shore and illegal trade markets set up in the dark of night. The unique Chinese bartering culture stirs up a lively chatter on the shore. All the while, the people engage in a playful and energetic game of hide-and-seek with the coast patrol guards. Close