Taiwan attendees at the 17th Straits Forum in Fujian of the Chinese mainland have voiced strong support for cross-Strait exchanges.
More than 7,000 people from all walks of life in Taiwan participated at the forum. The primary venue is set up in the coastal city of Xiamen, and other events will be held during the week-long forum around Fujian.
Young attendees from Taiwan have expressed their particular interests in the mainland's development potential.
"With its vast market, the mainland offers excellent development opportunities for us both in life and employment," said Huang Min-ju, a young attendee.
"If you look at Guizhou's Rongjiang Village Super League, it combines local ethnic features with cultural tourism and sports. The mainland's innovative capabilities are truly remarkable. I hope more young people from Taiwan will visit the mainland to explore these opportunities themselves," said Mao Chih-yuan, another young participant.
"We sincerely hope to bring more young people in Taiwan to visit the mainland and personally understand why cross-Strait exchanges and peaceful relations are essential for our shared future," said Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation.
The forum featured multiple speakers from Taiwan, including Taipei-born legal professional Lin Haoding with 16 years of mainland practice experience, all sharing their cross-Strait exchange experiences.
"As a speaker at this year's forum, my strongest conviction is that my destiny is inseparable from our motherland and the Chinese nation. We must work together for the great rejuvenation of our nation," said Lin.
This year's forum coincides with the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery. Lin Ming-ts'ung, a descendant of Taiwan's renowned Wufeng Lin family, called on compatriots across the Strait to remember history and work together for a shared future.
"We should engage in open dialogue, and no heartfelt differences remain irreconcilable. By doing so, can we unite and collectively pursue the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," said Lin.
Taiwan attendees at Xiamen forum support greater cross-Strait exchanges
Leaders of seven European countries on Tuesday reaffirmed that Greenland "belongs to its people," stressing that issues concerning Denmark and Greenland must be decided solely by Denmark and Greenland, according to a joint statement.
The statement, released by Denmark's Prime Minister's Office, was signed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," the statement said.
The leaders underscored that Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and is critical for international and transatlantic security. They noted that NATO has made clear the Arctic region is a priority and that European allies are increasing their presence there.
The statement noted that the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is part of NATO, and said security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively with NATO allies, including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.
Calling the United States an "essential partner," the leaders also referred to the 1951 defence agreement between Denmark and the United States.
The Prime Minister of Greenland Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday that Greenland is open to dialogue and discussions with the U.S., but "they must take place through the proper channels and in respect of international law."
The PM also urged respect from the U.S. side, saying "Our country is not an object in great power rhetoric." Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who was appointed by President Donald Trump last month as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, said that Trump "supports an independent Greenland with economic ties and trade opportunities for the United States," Reuters reported.
Trump said in a telephone interview on Sunday with The Atlantic that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland. He also discussed the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out using "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
