New regulation to boost convergence of standards between mainland and Taiwan

The first local regulation aimed at promoting the convergence of standards between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan will take effect in Fujian province on January 1, 2026, a Chinese mainland spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

Zhang Han, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a news conference that the regulation "incorporates the mature experiences and innovative practices that Fujian has developed in recent years."

The regulation was adopted at the 19th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th Fujian Provincial People's Congress on Nov 27.

Zhang emphasized that the regulation highlights the principles of connectivity and consistency, encouraging people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to collaborate on cross-Strait standardization through joint topic selection, development, comparison, and application.

Describing it as another "pioneering piece of legislation in Fujian's Taiwan-related work", Zhang underscored its significance in building a cross-Strait common market, enhancing the well-being of people on both sides, and deepening integrated cross-Strait development.

In recent years, Fujian has actively explored ways to advance cross-Strait standards convergence, developing a total of 308 shared standards between the mainland and Taiwan.

At the news conference, Zhang also outlined the procedures for Taiwan residents to apply for identification documents on the mainland, stressing that they have the lawful right to do so voluntarily. She reminded Taiwan compatriots to remain vigilant against illegal intermediary services offered by non-official institutions.

"Relevant mainland authorities will strictly protect the application materials of Taiwan residents in accordance with the law and will not disclose applicants' personal information or document details," Zhang said.

Despite the mainland's efforts to facilitate cross-Strait communication and people-to-people exchanges, Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te recently publicly opposed the Chinese Kuomintang's proposed legal amendment to guarantee political participation rights for mainland-born spouses on the island.

In response, Zhang condemned the Democratic Progressive Party authorities for arbitrarily depriving mainland-born spouses of their legal rights and for suppressing and mistreating this group.

She emphasized that mainland-born spouses are family members of Taiwan compatriots and contributors to Taiwan society. "They should receive recognition and respect, and their legitimate rights and interests, including participation in public affairs, ought to be safeguarded," Zhang said.

Lai has also claimed intentions to impose controls on political dialogue and exchanges with the mainland conducted by political parties, legal entities, and civil society organizations on the island.

Zhang criticized these moves as arbitrary restrictions on the freedom of Taiwan people to participate in cross-Strait exchanges and as a deprivation of their right to pursue a better life, saying they fully expose Lai's "terror politics" and "green dictatorship".

She warned the DPP authorities that any malicious acts that undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait or harm the interests of people on both sides will inevitably backfire.