-- Turning 18 is an important milestone in a person’s life. The 18th Straits Forum is particularly anticipated. The 18th Straits Forum was grandly held on June 13 in Xiamen. Many Taiwanese compatriots once again crossed the sea to gather on Egret Island (Xiamen City), sharing family affection, discussing cooperation, and writing a new chapter in expanding cross-strait exchanges and integration and enhancing the well-being and kinship of compatriots.
(June 13, the 18th Straits Forum is held in Xiamen City, Fujian Province.)
As the non-governmental exchange platform with the most participating institutions, the largest scale of activities, and the widest scope of involvement across the strait, the Straits Forum has been successfully held for 17 sessions, carrying out over 830 various activities. It has cumulatively attracted over 370,000 participants from both sides, including approximately 140,000 Taiwanese compatriots, effectively playing an important role in expanding non-governmental cross-strait exchanges and deepening cross-strait integrated development.
Continuing the theme of “Expanding Non-governmental Exchanges, Deepening Integrated Development,” this forum includes a main conference and 58 series of activities across four major sectors: grassroots exchanges, youth exchanges, cultural exchanges, and economic exchanges. Many Taiwanese compatriots arrived at the venue early, stopping to take photos in front of the activity schedule display board and engaging in heartfelt discussions about their personal experiences with cross-strait exchanges and integration.
“Chinese descendants never forget their roots; people on both sides of the strait are one family and inseparable.” Zhang Ronggong, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang Party, stated in his speech at the forum conference that regardless of the ups and downs in cross-strait relations, the Straits Forum has always been committed to promoting cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, advancing the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and continuing to play a key role in cross-strait dynamics.
At the forum conference, three Taiwanese guests took the stage to share their thoughts and feelings on cross-strait integrated development.
Lai Caida, Co-founder and CEO of METiS TechBio (Beijing) Co., Ltd., spoke on the topic “Accelerating China’s Pace in the AI Era,” sharing his story of pursuing, building, and realizing his dreams on Chinese mainland. In 2019, their entrepreneurial project won second prize in a Hangzhou startup competition and received over 10 million yuan in funding. He deeply felt that Chinese mainland provides an environment willing to believe in young people and give time and space for dreams to flourish, where “even the smallest seed can grow into a forest that changes the world.”
Su Heng, a Taiwanese current affairs new media personality, shared her insights under the title “No Obstruction Can Halt the Pace of Peaceful Development.” She noted that even though the Democratic Progressive Party has imposed increasing restrictions on the Straits Forum since taking office, a large number of Taiwanese people still come to participate regardless of these limitations. “Farmers come looking for markets, fishermen come to discuss cooperation, and young people come to see opportunities. What they seek is not politics, but a better life and a better future.”
“Separated by the sea, it is more than nostalgia; it is a journey.” Kang Yongming, a teacher at Fuzhou University of International Studies and Trade, affectionately known as “Uncle Perfect from Taiwan,” shared his story of returning to his roots across the strait. In the first half of his life, he taught for twenty years in public schools in Hsinchu, Taiwan. In the second half, he has planted roots in Fujian, working as a physical education teacher, serving as Deputy Secretary-General of the Fujian Rugby Association, and leading the Fuzhou City Taiwanese Compatriot Rongqing Bo’ai Volunteer Service Team, fully dedicating himself to grassroots exchanges and public welfare across the strait. He said his father planted the dream of “going home” in his heart from a young age, constantly reminding him and his brothers to always remember their ancestral home: Kangzhuang Village (13th generation ancestors), Weicuohou, Former Yin’tong County, Tong’an County, Quanzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province
Now, Kang Yongming runs his own self-media channels, recording and sharing the happiness of his life rooted in Chinese mainland, hoping to show more Taiwanese compatriots the real mainland from the perspective of a “Taiwanese uncle.”
Crossing the strait, the bond between the two sides runs deep. At the forum conference, cultural and artistic workers from both sides jointly presented wonderful performances.
(June 13, Performers perform the Beijing opera song “Dreaming of Hometown” at the 18th Straits Forum in Xiamen, Fujian.)
“Across the vast sea, feelings linger, sweet dreams of home often appear.” Wei Haimin, a Mei School Beijing opera inheritor from Taiwan, and Hu Wenge, a third-generation male dan inheritor of the Mei School from Chinese mainland, are both disciples of the renowned Beijing opera performing artist Mei Baojiu. They performed the Beijing opera song “Dreaming of Hometown” together, conveying deep friendship and affection through traditional opera, inheriting their art from the same master, and feeling a deep connection to China. Actor Zhang Linghe, who has starred in several TV dramas popular in Taiwan, took the stage to present “The Youth Answer Across the Straits.” He stated that the distance of the strait cannot stop the pace of compatriots seeking closer contact and exchanges. “The power of culture can always cross mountains and seas, connecting the hearts of compatriots on both sides.” Warm applause erupted from the audience.
“This time I saw a great many people attending the Straits Forum, everyone participated enthusiastically, and many young Taiwanese came as well,” said Zhai Xuan, a Taiwanese self-media personality. She said Chinese mainland is captivating. Moreover, “we can see us in the future plans of Chinese mainland.”
Contact Info:
Name: Hangdi Xu
Email: Send Email
Organization: Cross-Straits Forum
Website: https://www.taiwan.cn/hxlt/
Release ID: 89194890
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