On May 28, a ferry route between Taiwan and Japan resumed operations after being discontinued in 2008, Kyodo News reported.
The route connects Japan’s Ishigaki Island to the Taiwanese port city of Keelung. According to the website of Taiwan-based operator Yaima Line, the journey covers 270 kilometers and takes about eight hours. From May 28 to June 29, one round trip per week is scheduled, while from July 2 to July 31, two round trips are planned. The vessel operating on the route is the Yaima Maru, which can accommodate about 545 passengers.
Notably, according to Reuters, the Yaima Maru is among the ships designated by the Japanese government to evacuate southern Japanese island residents to mainland Japan in the event of a crisis in the region.
Last November, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks about Taiwan and regional security, prompting a response from China.
Separately, China resumed both rail and direct air travel with North Korea.
