'Cultural cleansing in Taiwan is bound to fail'

Chinese culture remains the strongest and most unbreakable bond across the Taiwan Strait, and both sides share the responsibility of preserving this cultural heritage, former Chinese Kuomintang chairman Ma Ying-jeou said on Thursday at a cross-Strait seminar on Chinese culture.

"Chinese culture is the DNA of the Taiwan people," Ma said. "Any attempt to carry out cultural cleansing in Taiwan is bound to fail."

The seminar, held on Thursday afternoon at the Dunhuang Academy near the Mogao Caves in Gansu province, brought together officials, students and cultural scholars to discuss efforts to promote shared Chinese heritage. Ma attended the event alongside Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, and Hu Changsheng, Party secretary of Gansu.

In his remarks, Ma said Chinese civilization continues to provide wisdom and guidance through its inclusiveness, creativity and vitality, particularly in a rapidly changing world. He cited the artistic and religious integration seen in the Mogao Caves as evidence of Chinese culture's brilliance.

"It's not just about tracing the historical roots of our culture," he said. "It's also about seeking new ideas and building consensus through dialogue."

Song emphasized that cultural exchange is a key part of peaceful and integrated cross-Strait development. He called on Taiwan compatriots to recognize the spiritual strength of Chinese culture, overcome the restrictions imposed by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities and participate in cross-Strait engagement.