Forum shows strength of cross-Straits relations

No force can hinder the common desire of people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits for exchanges and communication, China's top political adviser said on Sunday.

Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, delivered his remarks in a video at the opening ceremony of the 12th Straits Forum in Xiamen, Fujian province.

Wang said the foundation of the development of cross-Straits relations, as well as the driving force, lies with the people. Since the very first forum was successfully held in 2009, it has continued year after year without difficulties.

This year, the organization of the forum faced the COVID-19 pandemic and obstruction from Taiwan authorities, but it still proceeded successfully with a large number of Taiwan compatriots participating. This fully demonstrated that the desire to communicate is sincere and strong, he said.

Wang emphasized that opening-up brings progress and decades of the development of cross-Straits relations has proved that only exchanges can benefit both sides. Despite the grim world economic situation this year, cross-Straits trade volume has still maintained double-digit growth, showing that the mainland has always been the island's strongest backing force and most assured support.

However, some people on the island want to decelerate the exchanges and cooperation, trying to disconnect from the mainland's economy and culture, which will do harm to Taiwan, Wang said.

He said "Taiwan independence" is a dead end.

Wang reiterated the importance of expanding people-to-people exchanges and promoting integrated development.

He said the Chinese mainland always sticks to advancing the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations on the basis of the 1992 Consensus, which acknowledges the one-China principle and the goal lies in enhancing the wellbeing of Taiwan compatriots and bringing them a better life.

In recent years, the mainland has launched a series of measures that benefit Taiwan people, and an increasing number of Taiwan residents have chosen to come to the mainland to study, work, start a business and settle down.

Enhancing well-being

"We will further improve the policies and relevant arrangements to promote the quality and efficiency of cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation as well as help more Taiwan youth to pursue and realize their dreams on the mainland," Wang said.

He hoped compatriots on both sides of the Straits will be more engaged in the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, enhance the general well-being of people, share the responsibility of reunification and contribute to the historic cause of national rejuvenation.

The Straits Forum is the largest annual event across the Taiwan Straits focusing on people-to-people exchanges and participated in by people from all walks of life. This year, nearly 2,000 Taiwan compatriots attended the event.