In a bid to foster stronger ties across the Taiwan Straits, Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, met with Ma Ying-jeou, former chairperson of the Kuomintang (KMT), in Harbin, the capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Wednesday.
The meeting took place during a cross-Straits youth snow and ice festival, an event aimed at promoting cultural exchange and understanding among young people from both sides of the Straits. Song conveyed greetings from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, to the guests from Taiwan attending the festival.
Emphasizing the shared heritage and future of people on both sides of the Straits, Song called for prioritizing the country’s future and national interests. He urged adherence to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, while firmly opposing “Taiwan independence” separatism and external interference. “It is imperative that we work together to improve cross-Straits relations, maintain peace and stability, and pursue national rejuvenation,” Song stated.
Ma Ying-jeou expressed his gratitude for Xi’s greetings and echoed the call for unity. He highlighted the importance of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing “Taiwan independence” to promote the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations. “People on both sides of the Straits are members of the Chinese nation. By expanding exchange and cooperation, we can work together towards a harmonious future,” Ma said.
The meeting signifies ongoing efforts to strengthen communication and collaboration between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, with both sides emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and mutual understanding, especially among the younger generations.
The cross-Straits youth snow and ice festival serves as a platform for youths from both sides to engage in cultural activities, fostering friendships and deepening their appreciation of shared traditions.
Reference(s):
Mainland calls for active cross-Straits exchange, cooperation
cgtn.com
