Government officials in China say they will soon allow residents of Fujian Province to travel to nearby Kinmen, a group of islands effectively controlled by Taiwan, for the first time in years.

Kinmen is home to many supporters of Taiwan's Kuomintang party, which takes a more conciliatory stance toward Beijing.

China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism made the announcement on Friday, saying the decision is in response to a request from a delegation of Kinmen County representatives who visited China's Taiwan Affairs Office on August 22.

A Kuomintang lawmaker who belonged to the group reportedly voiced opposition to Taiwan's independence.

China has not announced plans to lift restrictions on group tours to Taiwan's main island.

Beijing apparently wants to demonstrate to people in Taiwan that supporting the "one-China" principle can be economically beneficial.

The move is also seen as an attempt to pressure President Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party. Beijing sees him as a separatist.

Chinese coast guard vessels have increased their presence in waters near Kinmen since February, when two Chinese fishers illegally operating near the islands died. Their boat capsized while being pursued by Taiwan's coast guard.