Straits Forum Emphasizes Peaceful Development and Reunification

Xiamen. The main conference of the 18th Straits Forum was held on Saturday in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. Representatives and guests from both sides of the Taiwan Strait emphasized peaceful development, expanded exchanges and cooperation, while opposing separatist activities.

The Straits Forum, held annually since 2009, is regarded as an important platform for grassroots exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. This year’s forum was held two months after the mainland announced a 10-point package of policies and measures in April to promote cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation.

Addressing the main conference, China’s top political advisor Wang Huning called for advancing the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and national reunification. Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, said both sides of the Strait belong to one China.

Wang stressed the need to firmly oppose “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and external interference, and called for joint efforts to safeguard and develop the shared home of the Chinese nation. He said the mainland is ready to share development opportunities and achievements with Taiwan compatriots, and welcomed their participation in cross-Strait exchanges, cooperation and integrated development.

He expressed hope that people on both sides of the Strait, especially young people, would further strengthen their identification with the Chinese nation, Chinese culture and the country, and work together to advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Addressing the forum, Chang Jung-kung, vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, said people on both sides of the Strait belong to the Chinese nation, share the same origin and roots, and are connected by blood ties. He said both sides should expand exchanges and cooperation, improve collective well-being, safeguard peace across the Strait and contribute to national rejuvenation.

This year’s 18th Straits Forum features 58 activities covering social welfare, sports, arts, financial technology, agriculture, new media and other fields.

As part of efforts to implement the policy package announced in April, a matchmaking and signing event was also held in Xiamen on Saturday between mainland enterprises and Taiwan businesses and trade associations. The event focused on the procurement of agricultural and fishery products from Taiwan, including atemoya, pomelos and tea.

The Straits Forum is considered the largest grassroots exchange event across the Taiwan Strait. Over the years, more than 370,000 participants from both sides have taken part in the forum, including around 140,000 from Taiwan.

Although the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan restricted government officials and civil servants from attending this year’s forum, representatives from Taiwan expressed support at the main conference for greater exchanges and integration with the mainland.

Taiwan rugby coach Kang Yung-ming said he was grateful to have returned to his ancestral hometown in Fujian and to have the opportunity for his children to put down roots on the mainland. Kang moved to Fuzhou with his family about three years ago at the invitation of the Fujian provincial rugby association. He now works as both a college teacher and deputy secretary-general of the association.

Designated in 2023 as a demonstration zone for cross-Strait integrated development, Fujian has introduced various policies and measures to support Taiwan compatriots in studying, working, starting businesses and living in the province. Kang said the support he has experienced was not limited to official slogans, but reflected tangible assistance that made him feel the warmth of home.

Taiwan political commentary vlogger Su Heng said that no matter how hard the Democratic Progressive Party authorities try to obstruct cross-Strait exchanges, they cannot stop people from both sides from reaching out to one another. She said the momentum of cultural, economic and technological cooperation also cannot be halted.

According to Su, many people on both sides watch the same television dramas, participate in similar internet culture and use the same social media platforms, bringing the two sides closer through everyday life. She said that although the Democratic Progressive Party authorities have increased restrictions on participation in the Straits Forum since coming to power, many people continue to cross the Strait to attend the event in pursuit of better opportunities and a brighter future.

She added that the aspirations of the people cannot be changed by any policy.