In a bid to foster deeper economic and cultural connections, Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, extended warm festive greetings to Taiwan business representatives ahead of the Spring Festival.
During his visits to Shenzhen, a booming technology hub, and Xiamen, a key coastal city near Taiwan, Song engaged with nearly 400 Taiwan businesspeople. He reaffirmed the Chinese mainland's commitment to promoting integrated development across the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing policies that support cross-Straits economic and cultural exchanges.
\"The shared values of peace, harmony, and the pursuit of a better life among people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait remain the foundation for the development of our relations,\" Song stated. He expressed hope that Taiwan compatriots would uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, opposing any moves towards \"Taiwan secession\" and external interference.
Wu Chia-ying, executive vice president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the mainland, highlighted the mainland's support for Taiwanese businesses. \"The mainland's support has given Taiwan-funded businesses in Fujian greater confidence to continue their investments and support cross-Straits integrated development,\" Wu remarked at a Spring Festival celebration in Xiamen.
Fujian, designated as a demonstration zone for cross-Straits integrated development, saw 920,000 trips by Taiwan compatriots last year. Direct routes between Fujian's coastal areas and Kinmen and Mazu increased passenger visits by over 70%, according to the Fujian Maritime Safety Administration.
In 2024, the mainland met its primary goals for economic and social development, creating new opportunities for cross-Straits cooperation. Last year alone, 7,941 Taiwan-funded companies were established on the mainland, and cross-Straits trade volume reached $292 billion, a 9.4% increase year-on-year.
Guangdong Province, home to Shenzhen, continues to be a frontline region in China's reform and opening-up, attracting nearly 35,000 Taiwan enterprises and over $94 billion in investment since 1978. Jeff Chen, president of the Dongguan Taiwan Business Association, noted the diversification of Taiwan businesses in Guangdong from manufacturing to sectors like service, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.
\"We are keeping pace with the times by investing more in automation and innovation,\" said Hsu Fu-hsien, president of the Taiwan association in Shenzhen. After 35 years in Shenzhen, Hsu emphasized the benefits brought by reform and opening up, leading to sustained growth and collaboration.
As the Spring Festival approaches, these initiatives and investments signal a strengthening of cross-Straits ties, fostering mutual growth and prosperity for both Taiwan compatriots and businesses on the mainland.
Reference(s):
Mainland official visits Taiwan compatriots ahead of Spring Festival
cgtn.com
