Cross-Strait grassroots representatives hold exchanges on primary-level governance

Representatives involved in primary-level governance on both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered in the coastal city of Xiamen in east China's Fujian Province for exchanges on new models of grassroots administration and guidance.

Held as a sub-forum under the 17th Straits Forum, the meetings attracted over 400 guests to engage in extensive discussions centered on the theme of beautifying rural living environments.

From ecological protection to industrial collaboration, participants explored how to promote comprehensive rural revitalization and build harmonious villages. Attendees shared valuable experiences and achievements accumulated during their practical efforts.

"Participants from Taiwan are all village heads working at primary levels, who are eager to come here and learn from each other. We hope that rural areas on both sides of the Strait can form an 'alliance' and establish 'sister villages' to foster mutual exchanges," said Hsu Tzu-Lien, a guest from China's Taiwan region.

With shared roots and origins, both sides have common pursuits and visions on the path of rural development.

Attendees from both sides believe that collaborative efforts can be strengthened in areas such as creating livable and business-friendly beautiful villages, developing green industrial chains, and designing age-friendly residential spaces.

"I would like to share and report on some new models of grassroots governance in Guling Town, and I hope to enhance exchanges with our Taiwan compatriots. We seek deeper cooperation in the integrated development of distinctive agricultural, cultural, and tourism industries," said Huang Linhui, Party Secretary of Guling Town in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Under the theme of "expanding people-to-people exchanges and deepening integrated development," the 17th Straits Forum features 56 exchange activities covering primary-level, youth, cultural and economic exchanges, drawing the attendance of over 7,000 people from all walks of life in Taiwan.

Cross-Strait grassroots representatives hold exchanges on primary-level governance

All rebuilt and renovated houses in the earthquake-stricken area of Dingri County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, have been handed over for use, with affected residents gradually moving into their new homes this winter.

More than 32,500 destroyed or damaged houses have been restored and handed over to affected residents, according to the authorities of Xigaze City, Xizang.

The 6.8-magnitude quake on January 7 struck Xigaze City, including Dingri.

Senga Village of Dingri was one of the worst hit, with only one home barely livable after repair, while homes of the other 126 households had to be rebuilt from ground zero.

For villagers from Senga Village, the new homes bring tangible improvements and a profound sense of comfort.

"Now, as you can see, the house has an insulation layer on the outside. It's extremely warm in winter, and that makes me feel extremely happy," said Tashi Lhunpo, a villager from Senga Village.

Following the earthquake, all member units of the National Committee for Disaster Prevention, Mitigation and Relief provided full support to Xizang for disaster relief and assistance work.

The reconstruction initiative was launched in early March, with full-scale construction commencing in early June.

A total of 134 enterprises and more than 60,000 construction workers participated in the rebuilding effort. They successfully completed construction tasks across 1,032 sites in 47 townships, achieving the goal of "moving into new homes within the same year when the disaster struck."

The restoration work covered 486 villages in seven counties, resulting in the reconstruction of more than 22,000 houses and the reinforcement of an additional 10,500 homes. The first batch of quake-affected residents have moved into new homes in August.

All rebuilt houses in Xizang quake-affected zone handed over to residents