Peaceful development of cross-Strait ties urged

Top political adviser Wang Huning called on Taiwan compatriots on Friday to strengthen their confidence and resolve in achieving complete national reunification, while reaffirming the mainland's firm opposition to separatist forces and external interference.

Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the seventh forum of social groups of Taiwan compatriots.

Wang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reiterated the mainland's commitment to adhering to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus.

The 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, was reached between the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation with authorization from authorities on both sides of the Strait in 1992.

Wang also called for efforts to unite the Taiwan compatriots, jointly promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advance the cause of national reunification. He said the forum, since its establishment in 2010, has made significant contributions to promoting cross-Strait exchanges, fostering closer bonds among compatriots and enhancing mutual understanding.

Hosted by the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, this year's forum focused on deepening integrated cross-Strait development and steadfastly advancing the cause of national reunification.

The theme reflected the shared aspiration of Taiwan compatriots at home and abroad to support the motherland's development and promote national reunification, expressing a strong desire for peace and exchanges, said Wang.

He also called on Taiwan compatriots to preserve and promote Chinese culture, saying such efforts would strengthen their sense of identification with the Chinese nation.

Wang welcomed Taiwan compatriots, especially young people, to pursue opportunities on the mainland and share in the benefits of Chinese modernization. He added that it is essential to support patriotic forces on the island that advocate reunification, and to resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference.

The forum, held from Thursday to Saturday, brought together around 400 participants, including leaders of Taiwan compatriot social groups from the island, the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and from overseas, as well as Taiwan compatriots residing on the mainland and experts in Taiwan-related fields.

Ji Bin, vice-president of the federation, said that the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period will be a critical stage in the mainland's development, adding that it will present significant opportunities for Taiwan compatriots and businesses to make meaningful contributions.

Hsueh Ying-tung, a Taiwan animation director and creative curator, said: "Our roots are here. Only by taking firm root can one draw nourishment from the Chinese nation and better express the essence of Chinese culture. If you identify with something else, you are merely a graft."