Each June, Xiamen in Fujian Province on the Chinese mainland hosts the Straits Forum, one of the Asia-Pacific’s largest grassroots exchange gatherings. The 17th edition kicked off on June 15, drawing over 7,000 participants eager to explore a shared destiny across the Taiwan Strait.
Since its launch in 2009, the annual forum has focused on expanding cross-strait ties through people-to-people dialogue and integrated development. Sessions range from agricultural showcases to economic cooperation panels, all designed to address everyday concerns like food security and market access.
Despite new restrictions imposed by Taiwan authorities ahead of this year’s forum, residents of Taiwan have turned out enthusiastically. Their participation underscores a collective desire to connect, even amid political tensions.
For farmers from the island of Taiwan, the forum is a direct path to new markets. Exhibitors display local tea, fruits and specialty vegetables, meeting distributors from the Chinese mainland to discuss supply chains, pricing and quality standards. These collaborations not only boost incomes at home but also enrich the “vegetable basket” and “rice bag” for consumers on the mainland.
At its core, the gathering is a platform for peace. When people from both sides sit together to discuss common topics face-to-face and express their views peacefully and rationally, misunderstandings and prejudices dissipate, laying the groundwork for long-term harmony.
Looking ahead, organizers plan to deepen digital exchanges and sustainable travel partnerships, inviting young entrepreneurs, cultural influencers and digital nomads to co-create future initiatives. As cross-strait development evolves, the Straits Forum remains a stable bridge inviting all stakeholders to write their next chapters of cooperation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
