China’s top political advisor Wang Huning has called for greater unity and peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the unbreakable bonds between people on both sides and the unstoppable trend toward national reunification.
Speaking at the 17th Straits Forum in Xiamen, a coastal city in east China’s Fujian Province, Wang highlighted the shared heritage and future of the Chinese nation. “We urge compatriots across the Taiwan Strait to seize the historic opportunity of national rejuvenation,” he said. “Together, we can protect our culture, safeguard peace, and advance the cause of national reunification.”
Remembering Shared History
Wang noted that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of both the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the recovery of Taiwan. He emphasized that the recovery of Taiwan is a shared national memory, underscoring the importance of remembering history and preserving the fruits of these victories.
Upholding the One-China Principle
“Both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China,” Wang asserted, stressing the importance of upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus. He called for resolute opposition to “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and external interference, emphasizing the need to jointly maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Supporting Taiwan Compatriots
Highlighting the importance of viewing cross-strait relations from the perspective of the Chinese nation’s overall interests and long-term development, Wang said, “We stand firmly as strong supporters of our Taiwan compatriots.” He urged efforts to enhance cross-strait integration and promised to “continue to respect, care for, and deliver real benefits to Taiwan compatriots, especially the youth, so they gain a stronger sense of fulfillment, happiness, and belonging.”
Youth Encouraged to Contribute
Wang encouraged young people across the Strait to strengthen their confidence and pride in being Chinese. “We hope you will contribute to national rejuvenation,” he said, calling on the youth to participate actively in the shared future of the nation.
Calls for Deeper Cooperation
Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT), also addressed the forum. He stressed that the peaceful development of cross-strait relations is the shared aspiration of people on both sides. Ma called for deeper exchanges and cooperation under the common political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing “Taiwan independence.”
The Straits Forum, now in its 17th edition, aims to expand people-to-people exchanges and deepen integrated development across the Taiwan Strait. This year, more than 7,000 people from all walks of life in Taiwan participated in the forum.
