KMT officials express hope for cross-Strait AI cooperation

A visiting Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) delegation expressed the hope for cross-Strait cooperation in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector after learning about the Chinese mainland's advancements in the domain.

The 25-member KMT delegation led by Fu Kun-chi, executive director of the Chinese Kuomintang Policy Association, arrived in Beijing on Friday evening and is scheduled to return to Taiwan on Sunday.

The delegation on Saturday visited the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BETDA), where its members learned about new energy vehicle (NEV) materials and technologies at the production base of a mainland automobile manufacturer.

At an operation center of the Beijing High-level Autonomous Driving Demonstration Zone, which is located within the BETDA, the delegation learned about the development of self-driving technologies on the mainland. In front of the vehicle-road collaboration model and the simulated cockpit, the members of the delegation showed great curiosity and actively engaged in discussions with the on-site staff, asking questions and seeking further understanding.

The visiting group then boarded a smart connected bus and ventured onto the city streets. Many representatives experienced driverless driving for the first time and were amazed by the experience.

They also expressed their desire to bring back the mainland's AI development experience to Taiwan.

"It was a very smooth ride without any sudden braking. I felt completely safe. I believe that this demonstration zone has given us a completely new experience. I consider this to be the future trend. So, today's visit has been truly rewarding for us, and we will bring back the relevant experience to contribute to our own urban development," said Wang Hung-wei, public opinion representative of the Chinese Kuomintang party.

Fu Kun-chi emphasized the importance of AI in the 21st century, highlighting the potential for cross-Strait collaboration and youth exchanges to foster further understanding and innovation in this crucial field.

"AI is undoubtedly the most crucial topic of the 21st century. Today, we are here to visit, learn, and, furthermore, we hope that in the future, both sides of the Taiwan Strait can engage in exchanges regarding this aspect. I also believe that youth engagement is of utmost importance, as youth represent the future of our nation. We hope that the youth from both sides of the Strait can engage in comprehensive exchanges," said Fu.

KMT officials express hope for cross-Strait AI cooperation

KMT officials express hope for cross-Strait AI cooperation

KMT officials express hope for cross-Strait AI cooperation

KMT officials express hope for cross-Strait AI cooperation

KMT officials express hope for cross-Strait AI cooperation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Cho Tae-yul, foreign minister of the Republic of Korea (ROK), in Beijing on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and the ROK are close neighbors and should maintain regular exchanges.

Recently, China-ROK relations have been facing difficulties and challenges, which is not in the common interests of both sides, nor is it what China wants to see, Wang said, adding that it is hoped that the ROK side will work with China to stick to the original intention of establishing diplomatic ties, adhere to the direction of good neighborliness and friendship, stick to the goal of mutually beneficial cooperation, remove disturbances, and make joint efforts to push for the sound and steady development of China-ROK relations. He pointed out that China and the ROK should understand and respect each other, strengthen communication and exchanges, eliminate misunderstandings and enhance mutual trust.

Wang added that China hopes the ROK side abides by the one-China principle, properly and prudently handles Taiwan-related issues, and consolidates the political foundation of bilateral relations. The two sides should send more objective and positive messages, increase positive guidance, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges to consolidate public support for bilateral relations.

China is speeding up the development of new quality productive forces, promoting high-quality development and expanding high-level opening up, which will bring important opportunities to the ROK, Wang said, adding that the two sides should deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, be reliable and long-term partners in each other's development process, jointly oppose trade protectionism, safeguard the international free trade system, and ensure stable and unimpeded production and supply chains.

Cho said that it is hoped that this visit will become an important step forward in ROK-China relations. The ROK government attaches great importance to its relations with China, and looks forward to working closely with China to develop a healthier and more mature strategic cooperative partnership on the basis of mutual respect, reciprocity and common interests.

He added that it is in the common interests of the two countries and peoples and the expectation of the international community to promote the development of ROK-China relations and jointly meet common challenges. The ROK is willing to enhance mutual trust, expand consensus and focus on cooperation with China, thus avoiding geopolitical constraints as much as possible and jointly opening up a new situation of bilateral cooperation.

The two sides also exchanged views on China-Japan-ROK cooperation, the situation on the Korean Peninsula and other issues of common concern.

At the invitation of Wang, Cho is visiting China from May 13 to 14.

Chinese foreign minister holds talks with ROK counterpart