Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Katharine Chang went to Zhongli funeral parlour in the morning of July 23rd to pray and mourn for the highway accident victims from mainland China. She was accompanied by MAC Deputy Minister Chiu Chui-Cheng and Secretary-General Lee Li-Jane. Minister Chang said that she came today to pay respects to the deceased. She expressed a deep sadness for the accident victims and grief and empathy for their families. The opening of cross-Strait tourism ties has fostered closer exchanges and contributed greatly to mutual understanding between the two sides. It is hoped that accidents will not recur so that mainland Chinese tourists can enjoy the natural and human beauty of Taiwan with peace of mind, and tourism can continue to serve as the best bridge for cross-Strait peace.