In the spirit of the upcoming Spring Festival, the Chinese mainland’s top Taiwan affairs official is reaching out to Taiwan compatriots, emphasizing unity and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait.
Song Tao, head of the mainland’s Taiwan affairs office, visited Taiwan businesses and attended exchange events in Shenzhen and Xiamen this week. There, he met with nearly 400 Taiwan businesspeople and compatriots, offering festive greetings and discussing ways to deepen ties.
“We’re committed to promoting economic and cultural exchanges that benefit people on both sides of the Strait,” Song said. He encouraged Taiwan compatriots to stand firm against “Taiwan secession” and external interference, advocating for peaceful development and integrated progress.
Many Taiwan business leaders welcomed this message. “The mainland’s support gives us greater confidence to continue investing and supporting integrated development,” said Wu Chia-ying, a leader in the Taiwan business community.
Fujian Province, close to Taiwan, has become a hub for cross-Straits cooperation. Last year, it saw a significant increase in travel and trade between the mainland and Taiwan’s Kinmen and Mazu islands.
Song highlighted that new opportunities are emerging for Taiwan businesses as the mainland achieves its economic goals. In 2023, thousands of new Taiwan-funded companies were established, boosting trade across the Strait.
Regions like Guangdong Province have become popular destinations for Taiwan entrepreneurs. “We’re expanding into services, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence,” said Jeff Chen, president of the Dongguan Taiwan Business Association.
Veteran businessman Hsu Fu-hsien has lived in Shenzhen for 35 years. “I benefited from the reforms in the 1990s. Now, we’re investing in automation and innovation to keep pace with the times,” he shared.
The shared desire for peace and a better life is bringing people on both sides closer together, laying a strong foundation for future relations.
Reference(s):
Mainland official visits Taiwan compatriots ahead of Spring Festival
cgtn.com
