As 2024 marks the 45th anniversary of the \"Message to Compatriots in Taiwan,\" the journey toward peaceful reunification has seen significant strides. This landmark document, issued in 1979 by the Standing Committee of the Fifth National People's Congress, laid the foundation for closer ties between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland.
Over the past four and a half decades, the Chinese mainland has implemented a series of favorable measures to facilitate visits, business operations, and investments from Taiwan residents. This policy shift coincided with the end of the Cold War, ushering in an era of global reconciliation and increased interdependence.
Economic relations have flourished, with trade between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan region doubling from $160.03 billion in 2011 to $328.34 billion in 2021. Additionally, investments from Taiwan into the mainland reached $940 million in 2021, highlighting the robust economic integration.
People-to-people exchanges have also grown, with over 350,000 cross-Straits marriages recorded by mid-2023 and more than 130 million visits between 1988 and 2018. These numbers reflect a deepening social connection and a sense of shared community.
However, the relationship has faced challenges. Since 2016, under the leadership of Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwanese investments in the mainland have decreased by approximately 44%, and mainland students studying in Taiwan have dropped by nearly 90%. Political shifts and external influences have periodically strained cross-Straits relations.
Despite these setbacks, the sustained growth and prosperity of the Chinese mainland continue to support the integrated development of cross-Straits relations. Recent policies and measures aim to further this integration, steering the relationship toward a new stage of deeper cooperation and high-quality development.
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Taiwan's future lies in deeper integration with Chinese mainland
cgtn.com
