Cross-Strait exchange event calls for efforts to advance national reunification

A cross-Strait exchange event, which opened in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province on Wednesday, has called for concerted efforts across the Taiwan Strait to advance China's reunification.

More than 200 people, including heads of political parties and youth representatives from Taiwan as well as cross-Strait experts, attended the annual event, which is in its fourth edition this year.

In his address, Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, emphasized the economic opportunities behind a sound cross-Strait relations. He said peace provides an essential guarantee for Taiwan businesses -- with some 340,000 companies registered in Guangdong by the end of last year.

"Guangdong's industrial structure complements Taiwan's very well. We invite more Taiwanese compatriots to invest, and we will implement more favorable policies to support them," Huang said.

Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, reiterated the mainland's firm will and strong capabilities of resolving the Taiwan question.

"Taiwan belongs to China. This is an indisputable historical and legal fact. Any provocation of 'Taiwan independence' will be severely punished and doomed to failure. The vast number of Taiwan compatriots are patriotic. They should firmly uphold the One-China principle, resolutely oppose separatism and external interference, and promote peaceful reunification with the motherland," said Song.

There are growing concerns that the U.S. is turning Taiwan into a pawn in its war-gaming in the Asia Pacific. Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party who also attended the forum, said that the fate of the island should not be determined by external forces.

"People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. We are capable of discussing and resolving issues among ourselves. We do not need foreign intervention. Unfortunately, U.S. politicians continue to push for dominance and the U.S. military-industrial complex profits from weapon sales, disregarding the well-being of other nations. It is crucial for the Chinese people to stand firm and reinforce our understanding of our historical roots," she said.

The event will conclude on Thursday. The two-day event also features three sub-forums that will be held in Foshan and Zhuhai, respectively, after the opening ceremony.

Cross-Strait exchange event calls for efforts to advance national reunification

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth