Taiwan's government faces opposition from politicians and farmers over agricultural trade policies, accused of prioritizing ideology over livelihoods and applying double standards regarding export markets.
China's fourth-ranking official, Wang Huning, praised the "enthusiastic" participation of Taiwanese people at the Straits Forum, despite restrictions imposed by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party. The forum, Beijing's main platform for cross-strait people-to-people engagement, featured 58 events in Fujian province.
KMT Vice Chairman Andrew Chang met with Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, before the opening of the Straits Forum. Chang emphasized the Taiwanese mainstream public's desire for cross-strait exchange and prosperity, highlighting the importance of KMT-CCP relations and civilian exchanges in maintaining peace and stability amidst broken official communication channels.
The 18th Straits Forum convened in Xiamen with Wang Huning, a top Chinese official, delivering a speech emphasizing national unity and opposing 'Taiwan independence.' The forum aims to promote cross-strait exchange and integration, with Taiwanese representatives expressing a desire for deeper cooperation and peace.
The 18th Straits Forum held in Xiamen emphasized peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and national reunification. Top official Wang Huning stressed adherence to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, opposing "Taiwan independence" and foreign interference. Taiwanese representatives echoed the call for deeper cooperation and shared national rejuvenation.
Beijing's top Taiwan affairs official, Wang Huning, stated that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait require a "joint answer" from people on both sides. He noted the complex and severe situation, particularly since Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te took office, while acknowledging enthusiastic participation from Taiwan despite official bans.
Actor Zhang Linghe spoke at the 18th Straits Forum in Xiamen, encouraging cross-strait exchange and sharing his experiences. He highlighted the resonance of his drama "Zhu Yu" with Taiwanese audiences, emphasizing shared cultural roots and the power of cultural exchange to connect people. The forum aims to expand people-to-people exchanges and deepen integrated development.
The 18th Straits Forum's Kinma Shared Forum opened in Xiamen on June 12, inviting representatives from Kinmen and Matsu, Kinmen and Matsu compatriots residing in mainland China, and related units. Discussions focused on the 'same-city lifestyle circle' between Xiamen-Kinmen and Fuzhou-Matsu, and the construction of the Xiamen-Kinmen Bridge and Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport.
Beijing's 18th Straits Forum, a platform for cross-strait engagement, is being held in Xiamen amid tightened restrictions by Taiwan's ruling DPP. For the first time, the DPP has explicitly banned Taiwan's municipal and county government officials from participating.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council has banned local government officials from participating in China's Straits Forum, labeling it a United Front platform. The ban aims to prevent Beijing from using the event for unification propaganda and to counter efforts promoting integration and reunification.
The 18th Straits Forum will be held in Fujian in mid-June, focusing on grassroots, youth, cultural, and economic exchanges. Taiwan representatives from various sectors are invited. Officials encourage Taiwanese compatriots, including influencers, to visit and share their experiences.
The 18th Straits Forum's Straits Kinship Forum, focusing on "Kinship Across the Straits, Fujian and Taiwan as One Family," was held in Meizhou Island, Fujian, from May 28-30. Over 300 participants from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered to discuss kinship and future development.
