Rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait are more than headlines in Taipei; they’re felt at the street level. In interviews by CGTN Stringer, Taiwan people from various backgrounds described a longing for renewed exchanges with the Chinese mainland—echoing memories of freer travel and collaboration just a decade ago.
“It’s not like 10 years ago when people still interacted and visited each other,” says Mr Chen, reflecting on past family reunions and student exchanges. His call is simple but powerful: strengthen communication and coexist peacefully in the future.
Ms Niu, a tech enthusiast, criticizes policies introduced by the DPP authorities of Taiwan, saying they’ve strained cross-strait relations. Yet she sees opportunity: “Some interaction and exchange between the two sides is really a good thing.” She highlights the mainland’s advances in the Internet of Things (IoT) as a field ripe for collaboration.
Economic data underscores the stakes. According to a recent analysis, cross-strait trade in services and technology partnerships totaled about USD 25 billion last year—evidence that people-to-people ties fuel growth on both sides.
For young global citizens and digital nomads, open borders mean immersive travel and real-world impact. As students in Taiwan dive into AI and startups scout next-gen markets, renewed dialogue could spark joint ventures that transcend politics.
Ultimately, aligning policy with grassroots demand may be the catalyst for lasting peace. When technology, tourism, and tradition flow freely across the strait, each conversation becomes a step toward coexistence.
Reference(s):
We Talk: Taiwan people want cross-strait communication, coexistence
cgtn.com
