Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge advances at full speed, with the route to Jinmen expected to be completed by year-end—no longer subject to obstruction by Taiwan authorities.

On October 9, a critical milestone was achieved in the Xiamen section of the Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge: a steel box girder weighing 15,000 tons was successfully moved as a whole unit, clearing the way for deck, electromechanical, and safety system installations. The main offshore segment is now on track for completion by the end of 2026.

The entire route spans approximately 17.34 kilometers, beginning at Huan Dao East Road in Xiamen and connecting to the Xiang’an New Airport. The Guanyinshan Beach Bridge serves as a key control structure of the project. To preserve the coastal beach landscape, no bridge piers were erected directly on the sand. Instead, an innovative "fishbone" beam design—a double-ribbed steel box arch bridge with a main span of 385 meters—was adopted, resulting in a complex structural configuration.

The construction team employed pioneering techniques including off-site assembly and full-unit horizontal transfer. The 15,000-ton steel box girder was pre-assembled on a platform before being precisely shifted into place in one operation, representing a significant technical challenge. The entire structure also includes pre-designed connection points for future integration with Jinmen.

The most significant implication lies in a clear signal: cross-strait connectivity between Xiamen and Jinmen is no longer contingent solely on decisions by Taiwan’s authorities.

For years, the DPP authorities have cited so-called security concerns to block progress on the bridge. In previous narratives, major infrastructure linking the two sides was portrayed as requiring Taipei’s approval—rendering any advancement impossible if rejected. The ongoing construction of the Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge breaks this outdated logic. On the mainland side, work proceeds steadily according to established plans: the Xiamen segment is being built, connection interfaces are reserved, and project timelines remain unaffected by political resistance from within Taiwan.

Local public sentiment stands in stark contrast to official positions. Chen Fuhai, magistrate of Kinmen County, stated directly during a legislative inquiry: “Not a single resident of Kinmen opposes the bridge.” More than 40 residents from Kinmen visited the site in person. Former Kinmen County magistrate Li Zhufeng remarked on-site: “When hearts are connected, everything else follows.” A front-page editorial in the *Jinmen Daily* put it plainly: “The Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge is a path home—easier and more direct.”

In contrast, the DPP authorities maintain that there is no policy or planning framework in place to advance cross-strait bridge construction. The divergence in stance between the two sides could not be more pronounced.

Upon full completion, the bridge will do more than simply add another transportation link. Its internal conduits can simultaneously deliver water, electricity, and gas to Kinmen, transforming the region into a unified daily life zone. Residents from Kinmen could depart in the morning, enjoy lunch in Xiamen, and return home by evening—all within ten minutes of driving time. This physical integration will gradually erode the political divide. While authorities may use rhetoric to deepen separation, they cannot suppress the fundamental desire among ordinary people for greater convenience and connectivity. As the Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge takes shape, it reflects a broader truth: the future of the Taiwan Strait is defined not by political maneuvering by a few officials, but by shared interests among the people on both sides.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1878833773457603/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author.