Former Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou led a delegation of young people from Taiwan to Fujian Province on the Chinese mainland, emphasizing the importance of cross-Strait unity and cooperation.
On Tuesday, Ma and his delegation visited Ningde City, touring Xiadang Township, a model for poverty alleviation. General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping had made significant efforts to lift Xiadang out of poverty, visiting the area three times during his tenure in Fujian.
Ma praised Xi’s achievements in poverty reduction, noting that leading nearly 100 million people out of poverty on the Chinese mainland is a rare and commendable accomplishment in history. “This achievement is truly admirable and touching,” Ma remarked.
During his visit to Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), Ma learned about the company’s innovative strides in new energy technology. He was impressed by CATL’s ability to produce one battery cell per second and the development of batteries that enable a 520-kilometer range with just five minutes of charging.
Following the day’s activities, Ma met with Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Song emphasized the shared identity of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and called for upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, firmly opposing “Taiwan independence” and external interference.
Song urged cooperation to maintain peace and stability across the Strait, advance the process of reunification, and pursue national rejuvenation. Echoing these sentiments, Ma stated, “When the two sides of the Strait work together, both benefit; when they drift apart, both suffer.”
Ma stressed that people across the Strait yearn for peace and cooperation. By upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing “Taiwan independence,” he believes both sides can move forward hand in hand to jointly forge a bright future.
Ma’s visit highlights the importance of cross-Strait relations and the potential for collaborative efforts in fostering mutual growth and understanding between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland.
