Separatist acts can't stop civil exchanges

Genuine civil exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, as well as the emotional bond rooted in shared heritage, cannot be undermined by separatist actions, participants from both sides of the Taiwan Strait said at the 17th Straits Forum, held on Sunday in Xiamen, Fujian province.

Speaking at the main conference, Wang Huning, chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, noted that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the recovery of Taiwan — an important chapter in the shared history and collective memory of the Chinese people.

"The fruits of this victory must be preserved," Wang said. "We must uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, firmly oppose separatist activities advocating 'Taiwan independence' and external interference, jointly safeguard peace and stability across the Strait, protect our common homeland and advance the cause of national reunification.

"Standing in opposition to fellow compatriots only harms the people of Taiwan," he added.

Wang met with guests from Taiwan before the forum in Xiamen.

This year's forum brought together more than 7,000 representatives from various sectors on both sides of the Strait, with the goal of expanding civil exchanges and deepening integrated development. The event came amid increasing restrictions imposed by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party on cross-Strait communication.

Ma Ying-jeou, former leader of Taiwan's Chinese Kuomintang who led a delegation to the mainland for the forum, stressed the importance of sustaining people-to-people exchanges.

"Only by maintaining peaceful development, deepening cooperation based on the 1992 Consensus, opposing 'Taiwan independence' and planning for a shared future can both sides achieve peace and mutual benefit," Ma said. "No political force can suppress sincere civil exchange or break the emotional bond shared by Chinese people across the Strait."

The annual forum is the largest grassroots-level exchange event between the mainland and Taiwan, featuring 56 events focused on youth, cultural, community and economic exchanges. Since its launch in 2009, the forum has attracted more than 350,000 participants.

Lee Cheng-hung, president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland, said that increased communication across different levels and sectors is vital to peaceful development.

Kuo Kwan-ying, a media professional from Taiwan, expressed excitement at participating in the event, especially under growing restrictions.

"Many young people from Taiwan have overcome the DPP's blockade to come here and learn more about the mainland. We must encourage even more to take part in these exchanges," he said. "The real harm to Taiwan lies in these blockades."

Ching Chih-chun, a recent master's graduate of Shanghai Jiao Tong University from Taiwan, said he was inspired by the remarks.

"The mainland values talent and offers strong prospects for the future," Ching said. "With its rapid economic and technological development, it provides a favorable environment for personal growth. We should each play our part in different roles and contribute to the Chinese path of modernization."