A think tank forum between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party opened in Beijing on Tuesday, with both sides calling for joint efforts to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and realize national rejuvenation.
The forum centered on the prospects for cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, featuring in-depth discussions on cross-Strait cooperation in key areas including tourism, industry, environment and sustainable development.
Representatives from both sides delivered keynote speeches at the opening ceremony, offering proposals aimed at overcoming barriers and deepening communication and cooperation across the Strait.
"Both the CPC and the KMT shoulder an indispensable responsibility in promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and safeguarding the common home of the Chinese nation. We should draw experiences and wisdom from the development history of the two parties and cross-Strait relations, seize opportunities to create the future, and make joint efforts to achieve national rejuvenation. Guided by the will of the people, we must unswervingly adhere to the 1992 Consensus, oppose Taiwan secessionism, steer the direction of cross-strait relations, and advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations," said Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
In his address, KMT Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen noted that cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation align with the common interests of people on both sides. He described the forum as a vital platform to voice public concerns and enhance people's welfare.
"The genuine sentiment of the people in Taiwan is reflected not only in their desire for better understanding and practical contact with the mainland but also in their hope for maintaining communication channels between the two sides. I sincerely hope that both sides will prioritize the well-being of the people, adhere to the 1992 Consensus, oppose Taiwan secessionism, seek common ground while setting aside differences, lay aside disputes, and work together for win-win outcomes. Both sides should work together to pursue peaceful development, achieve harmonious integration, and joint hands for national rejuvenation," said Hsiao.
CPC, KMT officials urge joint efforts for peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, national rejuvenation
CPC, KMT officials urge joint efforts for peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, national rejuvenation
Iraq has seen its aviation industry dealt a huge blow because of continued airspace closures and flight suspensions amid regional hostilities triggered by the recent Israeli-U.S. strikes on Iran.
As security concerns persist while tensions remain high, Iraq announced on Friday it would extend the closure of its airspace for one more week as uncertainty over the conflict continues to hang in the air.
It is estimated that the country's aviation industry has lost more than 43 million U.S. dollars over the past month since the crisis erupted, with the war causing huge disruption to air travel across the region.
"After the closure of Iraqi airspace, airport operations were halted, and revenue from both arriving and departing flights was lost. This includes income from passenger services as well as overflying aircraft, which has significantly impacted overall revenues," said Maytham al-Safi, director of media office of the Iraqi Ministry of Transport.
The impact is being felt across the board, from government revenues to private businesses, as some of the leading travel agencies say bookings have completely collapsed, with some reporting daily passenger numbers dropping from around 100 to just five.
"Our company has been directly affected. We have four branches and around 80 employees, and the impact has been significant. We still have rent and other expenses to cover, so we are trying to adapt to whatever limited business is still possible," said Ahmed Khalid, managing director of the Safari Trip travel and tourism company in Baghdad.
With air travel no longer an option, many Iraqis are turning to overland routes -- often traveling for hours, even days, to reach neighboring countries like Türkiye. But the journey is not only longer and more expensive, it can also be highly risky.
"This situation creates real anxiety for families. It's not only the travelers who are at risk, but also the vehicles transporting them. These journeys can be dangerous. There is always the risk of accidents or even drone strikes. At the same time, costs have doubled, so people are facing both financial and safety pressures," said Anwar al-Mousawi, a local resident.
For many, a sense of frustration is growing the longer the current situation drags on, as civilians bear the consequences of a conflict they are not part of, and with no clear timeline for reopening Iraqi airspace, economic losses and public frustration are expected to deepen.
"The reality is, we are in a country that is not part of this war and did not start it, yet we are the ones paying the price," said al-Mousawi.
Iraq's aviation industry left grounded as Middle East crisis continues
