NPC deputies from Taiwan hope for greater cross-Strait exchanges, cooperation

Deputies of China’s Taiwan delegation to the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), the national legislature, has expressed opposition to Taiwan separatist forces and voiced hope for greater exchanges between people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

During a group meeting of the Taiwan delegation on the sidelines of the national legislature's annual session in Beijing on Sunday, the deputies called on Taiwan to join in the efforts of the Chinese mainland to safeguard peace and stability across the Strait.

"The mainland has consistently responded to the shared aspirations of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait for peace, development, exchanges and cooperation, by making active efforts to promote cross-Strait interactions, collaboration and integrated development. Taiwan separatist forces can never stop the historical trend of national reunification. We also hope that our compatriots in Taiwan will work in solidarity with the mainland by firmly opposing the Taiwan secessionists' provocations and the external forces' interference, safeguarding cross-Strait peace and stability, and enhancing cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, so as to jointly create a bright future for cross-Strait relations and national rejuvenation," said Yan Ke, an NPC deputy and vice president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.

As for the current challenges facing the cross-Strait tourism, the deputies said the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have been the primary source of obstruction.

"I think the Taiwan authorities likely fear such open exchanges across the Strait. Taiwan faces quite a blockage in information flow and a lot of smearing and slanderous rhetoric [about the exchanges]. But how long could such lies persist? The mainstream public opinion in Taiwan supports exchanges and interactions, hoping that the Taiwan authorities will follow the will of the people and recognize the importance of cross-Strait exchanges. I also hope that in 2025, cross-Strait exchanges will become smoother and that interactions between the compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait will face fewer obstacles," said Chen Yunying, an NPC deputy and also vice president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.

NPC deputies from Taiwan hope for greater cross-Strait exchanges, cooperation

NPC deputies from Taiwan hope for greater cross-Strait exchanges, cooperation

NPC deputies from Taiwan hope for greater cross-Strait exchanges, cooperation

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged a "truly durable" ceasefire with unimpeded humanitarian aid access for Gaza, while warning that the overall humanitarian situation in the war-torn enclave remains fragile despite some improvements.

Guterres said at a press encounter that clean water is reaching more communities, some health facilities have reopened, and in the wake of the winter storms, the international community acted immediately to provide support.

However, Guterres warned that about 1.6 million people in the Gaza Strip, or more than 75 percent of the population, would face extreme levels of acute food insecurity and critical malnutrition risks.

Since October, the UN has done everything possible to keep lifelines open, but needs are growing faster than aid can get in, he said.

"We need a truly durable ceasefire, and we need more crossings, the lifting of restrictions on critical items, the removal of red tape, safe routes inside Gaza, sustained funding, and unimpeded access, including for NGOs," said Guterres.

Meanwhile, Guterres warned that the situation in the West Bank is also rapidly deteriorating, with Palestinians facing multiple threats including escalating violence by settlers, land confiscation, forced demolition of homes, and increasingly stringent restrictions on movement. In the north, tens of thousands of people have already been displaced due to Israeli military operations.

Guterres stressed that the international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, must be upheld across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

Guterres also said the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion of Oct. 22, 2025 clearly stated that Israel is under the obligation to allow and facilitate humanitarian aid, to cooperate with the United Nations in carrying out its mandates, and to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including in times of armed conflict.

UN chief urges "truly durable" ceasefire with unimpeded humanitarian access for Gaza