In a bid to strengthen ties across the Taiwan Straits, Chinese mainland officials are calling for increased exchange and cooperation with Taiwan, emphasizing unity and a shared future.
Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, met with Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang, in Harbin, the capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. The meeting occurred during a cross-Straits youth snow and ice festival, highlighting the role of young people in fostering closer relations.
Song conveyed greetings from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, to the Taiwanese guests. He emphasized that people on both sides of the Straits are part of the same Chinese nation and should prioritize the country’s future and national interests.
“Upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus is crucial,” Song stated. “We must firmly oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ separatism and external interference. Let’s work together to improve cross-Straits relations, maintain peace and stability, and pursue national rejuvenation.”
Expressing his gratitude, Ma Ying-jeou echoed the call for unity. “People on both sides of the Straits should expand exchange and cooperation,” he said. “Together, we can promote the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.”
The meeting underscores ongoing efforts to enhance dialogue and collaboration between the mainland and Taiwan, focusing on engaging the younger generation to build a harmonious and prosperous future.
Reference(s):
Mainland calls for active cross-Straits exchange, cooperation
cgtn.com
