Former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang Ma Ying-jeou concluded a landmark two-week cultural exchange visit to the Chinese mainland on June 27, marking his fourth such trip since 2023. The journey, which included 37 students from the island of Taiwan, focused on strengthening people-to-people ties through shared heritage.
Highlights included a visit to Dunhuang's Mogao Grottoes in Gansu Province, where Ma emphasized the role of traditional Chinese culture as a "bridge for mutual understanding" during a June 26 seminar. The 1,600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site served as a symbolic backdrop for discussions on preserving collective historical memory.
Analysts note these exchanges gain significance amid evolving cross-strait dynamics, offering non-political platforms for dialogue. The trip's extended duration enabled visits to cultural landmarks across multiple provinces, with participants documenting experiences through vlogs and social media posts.
While avoiding direct commentary on current affairs, Ma reiterated the Kuomintang's commitment to peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait. The program has reportedly inspired plans for reciprocal mainland student visits to Taiwan, pending logistical coordination.
