The Straits Youth Forum has officially commenced in Fujian, marking a significant step towards deeper integration between the Chinese mainland and the Taiwan region. The forum, a cornerstone of the annual Straits Forum, focuses on fostering inclusive and grassroots communication and cooperation.
Lai Yen-chun, a law teacher at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in Wuhan, exemplifies the spirit of cross-Straits collaboration. Having lived in Wuhan for 15 years, Lai has been instrumental in providing legal counseling and pro bono services to Taiwan residents on the mainland. \"Many Taiwan youths had devoted themselves to promoting cross-Straits exchanges. The baton is now handed over to me,\" Lai stated at this year's Straits Youth Forum, highlighting the ongoing commitment of young individuals from both sides of the Straits.
Deepening Cross-Straits Integrated Development
This year's forum, themed \"Expanding people-to-people exchanges and deepening integrated development,\" is held in Fujian Province, the mainland region closest to the Taiwan region. The main conference is set to begin on Saturday in Xiamen, Fujian’s coastal city. Across the province, approximately 50 events will take place in various cities, facilitating agreements in areas such as rural revitalization, youth entrepreneurship, science and technology, culture, publishing, public welfare, and financial cooperation. These initiatives aim to implement numerous cross-Straits integrated projects in Fujian.
Fujian was designated as a demonstration zone in September 2023 to leverage its unique advantages and further enhance cross-Straits development. According to a circular issued by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, the goal is to make Fujian the preferred destination for Taiwan residents and enterprises seeking development opportunities on the mainland.
At a meeting in Xiamen on Friday, Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, emphasized the need for concrete actions to advance the demonstration zone. He called for efforts to support the study, work, and life of Taiwan residents on the mainland, with a particular focus on the younger generation.
Working Together for Long-Term Prosperity
Sean Lien, vice chair of the Kuomintang (KMT), addressed the forum on Friday, asserting that cross-Straits youth exchanges must continue and expand regardless of fluctuations in the Taiwan Straits' political landscape. \"Youth cooperation across the Straits is an important foundation for the future development and rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,\" Lien remarked, echoing sentiments previously expressed by Xi Jinping.
Xi Jinping, the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, has consistently advocated for a prosperous future for both sides of the Straits, emphasizing the role of youth in achieving peaceful reunification and the long-term prosperity of the Chinese nation. His vision underscores the importance of unified efforts to build a bright and harmonious future.
Reference(s):
Deepening cross-Straits integration, forum kicks off in Fujian
cgtn.com
