Beijing welcomed delegates on Wednesday for the second Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit, a gathering that highlights the deep cultural bonds connecting the Chinese mainland and the island of Taiwan. The event, presided over by Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, underscores a shared heritage that both sides hope to preserve and promote.
In his opening address, Song Tao called on cultural figures from the island of Taiwan to join forces in guiding compatriots to safeguard the greater good of the Chinese nation, strengthen cultural confidence, and jointly advance the cause of reunification. He emphasized the importance of resisting "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference, framing cultural collaboration as a path toward unity.
Hung Hsiu-chu, former Kuomintang chairperson and chair of the Taiwan-based Chinese Cyan Geese Peace Education Foundation, underscored the audience's shared cultural legacy. She proposed a series of collaborative initiatives—from preserving Chinese classics and promoting traditional arts to developing modern cultural industries—that draw on rich heritage and contemporary creativity. "By combining our strengths, we can elevate Chinese culture's global presence and deepen its international influence," she said.
The main forum featured keynote speeches from cultural and academic representatives, who explored strategies to foster Chinese cultural development in today's interconnected world. Delegates discussed how digital platforms, cross-strait exchanges, and joint research projects could breathe new life into classical literature, music, and film.
As the summit progresses, participants plan to launch working groups focused on digitizing archives, co-producing cultural festivals, and training the next generation of artists. With a blend of tradition and innovation, the summit aims to create sustainable models for cultural cooperation that resonate with young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and changemakers alike.
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Cross-Strait Chinese culture summit stresses shared heritage
cgtn.com
