Fujian strengthens cross-Strait ties

Fujian province, the coastal region facing Taiwan across a narrow strip of water, has maintained its position as the Chinese mainland's top preferred destination for Taiwan investment for the fourth consecutive year, Governor Zhao Long said during the ongoing annual session of the provincial legislature.

Delivering the government work report at the Fujian Provincial People's Congress, which opened on Tuesday, Zhao detailed the province's progress in building a "demonstration zone" for cross-Strait integrated development, aimed at promoting national reunification.

In 2025, the province established 2,612 new Taiwan-funded enterprises, with the actual use of Taiwan capital reaching $724 million. The year also saw the introduction of the mainland's first local regulations on cross-Strait standard commonality, resulting in 41 new shared technical standards.

Reviewing a five-year period, Zhao noted that the ferry routes across the Strait have carried 4.07 million passengers. He also highlighted the success of the Taiwan farmers' entrepreneurship parks.

Looking ahead, Fujian plans to expand the recognition of Taiwan professional qualifications and launch at least 30 new joint rural vitalization projects this year to make the province a preferred destination for Taiwan compatriots.

The governor also emphasized a push toward a "common market", specifically targeting sectors such as electronic information, machinery, and biomedicine, easing market access for Taiwan firms, and promoting small-scale sales with the island.

Infrastructure remains a priority in the government plan, with the province set to accelerate mainland-side projects to supply water, electricity, and gas to the outlying islands of Jinmen and Matsu administered by Taiwan.

The Xiamen government aims to complete the Xiamen section of the Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge this year, seeking to streamline daily life between the two regions to promote cross-Strait exchanges. It also plans to support Jinmen in sharing its newly built Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport. The strategy envisions turning the airport into a regional hub for Jinmen residents.

On the cultural front, Zhao emphasized the importance of "ancestral roots". The province plans to advance the "Taiwan Compatriots Root-seeking Platform" and promote legislation regarding the tracing of cross-Strait family genealogies.

"We encourage more grassroots exchanges through sports such as baseball, softball, and dragon boat racing, using our shared culture as a bond to bring people together," the governor said.

In his report, Zhao also noted that the TV drama Silent Honor has resonated across the Strait. Filmed in Fujian, it showcases the province's unique landscape and historical bonds with Taiwan, based on historical events.

Following Zhao's report, members of the Fujian Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference proposed initiatives to deepen cross-Strait integration through cultural heritage and youth engagement.

Chen Wei, a CPPCC member in Fujian, emphasized the spiritual bond provided by Mazu, a sea goddess of Fujian origin and worshiped on both sides of the Strait. He suggested using Mazu culture as a gateway for "emotional integration" and comprehensive tourism cooperation to gather greater grassroots support for national reunification.

Another political adviser, Lin Jinzan, proposed that provincial authorities lead efforts to extend common standards to Mazu-related cultural industries and intangible heritage. He urged the creation of a unified cross-Strait resource-sharing platform to connect temples and industry associations.

Focusing on the next generation, political adviser Chen Lili advocated for systematic support to involve Taiwan youth in community practices, such as urban renewal and rural construction. She proposed creating opportunities for joint governance where young people from both sides can work together.

To facilitate career growth, adviser Wang Renjiang recommended simplified financial services, such as easier procedures for opening business accounts and optimized residency policies for high-end talent from Taiwan.