Experts discuss future of cross-Strait relations at Shanghai seminar

Delegates from the Chinese mainland and the Taiwan region gathered in Shanghai from Friday to Sunday to discuss the future of the cross-Strait relations at the 2025 Cross-Strait Relations Seminar.

More than 160 experts, scholars, and representatives of various sectors attended the seminar, focusing on the advancement of Chinese modernization and the shared well-being of the people on both sides of the Strait.

Addressing the seminar, Qiu Kaiming, deputy director of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, affirmed that China can fully address various risks and challenges. He emphasized that China can ensure the shared well-being of people on both sides of the Strait and to thwart "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference.

Qiu called on all Taiwan compatriots to recognize where Taiwan's future and interests lie and to advance national reunification and rejuvenation alongside their mainland compatriots.

Experts at the seminar highlighted that the mainland's economy is built on a solid foundation, marked by resilience and vast potential. They expressed confidence in the mainland's ability to handle challenges and continue advancing toward the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

"Our nation possesses a solid material foundation and robust development potential in its modernization. When it comes to advancing cross-Strait exchanges, integrated development, and achieving peaceful reunification, I believe our economic potential remains a key driver, and we must further leverage it to promote cross-Strait relations," said Zheng Jian, chair professor at the Graduate Institute for Taiwan Studies of Xiamen University.

Scholars from the Taiwan region emphasized the importance of cross-Strait exchange.

"[We should] enable elites in various disciplines to discuss the future of technology, let the social science elites work out a path forward for the Chinese people's development," said Yang Kai-huang, director of the Cross-Strait Research Center of Ming Chuan University.

"When I was teaching at Shih Hsin University, each semester, at least 95 percent of the students in my class never visited the Chinese mainland. Influenced by media and online misinformation, they developed misunderstandings about the mainland. I believe the most crucial solution is to enhance cross-Strait exchanges, particularly through media platforms," said Chi Chia-lin, honorary chairman of Taiwan's Reunification Alliance Party.

Experts discuss future of cross-Strait relations at Shanghai seminar

Nigeria's fuel market is undergoing a rare shake-up as competition pushes prices lower, bringing relief to local consumers while raising concerns over business durability.

In the capital city of Abuja, the state oil firm Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has been selling petrol at about 815 naira per liter (about 0.57 U.S. dollars per liter), down from about 0.66 U.S. dollars per liter earlier in 2026. Other stations supplied by private giant Dangote are offering even lower prices, selling at around 750 naira (about 0.53 U.S. dollars) per liter.

For millions of Nigerians, the drop has been easing pressure on transport, food and daily living costs.

"I spend relatively lower on fuel and, by implication, transportation now than what it used to be," said Salifu Usman, a local resident in Abuja.

"We are happy with what we are seeing, because, of course, for a very long time, we are witnessing the crash down of price, even during festive period," said Jonathan Madaki, another resident.

The price cut has also allowed for higher profit margins for local small business operators, who have long relied on petrol-powered generators to cope with chronic power shortages.

Behind the price cuts is a growing battle for market share. The Nigeria-based Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa, has boosted domestic supply and slashed its wholesale price to around 700 naira (about 0.49 U.S. dollars) per liter.

The move has forced importers and the state oil company to lower their own prices to stay competitive. But as margins shrink, analysts warn, what now appears to be a price war may not last.

"My own interpretation is that we are going to that stage where, especially those that, if it keeps coming down, I think those that bring in products may find it not so attractive again. So I don't actually see how sustainable this price war, if I may use that term, will be," said energy expert Paul Ogwu.

Nigeria petrol price cuts ease living costs, raise durability concerns