Tourismus zwischen Taiwan und China: Brücke oder Hindernis für kulturellen und politischen Dialog?

This article examines the complex interplay between tourism and political relations between Taiwan and China. It analyzes how tourism, often touted as a bridge for cultural understanding, has instead become entangled in the ongoing political conflict, serving as both a tool for economic influence and a reflection of deep-seated tensions. The authors trace the development of tourism flows in both directions, highlighting periods of increased exchange alongside significant setbacks due to political events and policy changes. The core argument revolves around the ambivalent nature of tourism in this context: while offering economic benefits and potential for cultural exchange, it simultaneously reinforces political divisions and serves as a means of political leverage, ultimately leaving the future of cross-strait tourism uncertain.