Xinhua Commentary: Straits Forum in full swing, cross-Strait exchange unstoppable

XIAMEN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Against the backdrop of a complex international environment and circumstances across the Taiwan Strait, the 17th Straits Forum -- a platform for cross-Strait grassroots exchange -- opened as scheduled on Sunday in Fujian Province.

The unprecedented scale of this year's forum fully demonstrates the common aspiration across the Taiwan Strait for frequent exchange and closer ties.

The event reaffirms that people on both sides of the Strait are one family -- all are Chinese, and ought to maintain frequent exchange, grow closer, communicate heartily, and pursue common development.

As the most inclusive platform for cross-Strait people-to-people exchange with the broadest scope and largest scale, the Straits Forum, over its past 16 iterations, has hosted nearly 800 activities and attracted more than 350,000 participants from both sides, including over 140,000 Taiwan compatriots, playing an important role in expanding people-to-people exchange and deepening integrated development.

Through these events, compatriots on both sides of the Strait have shared familial bonds, built friendships, discussed cooperation, and enjoyed a warm atmosphere of togetherness -- vividly embodying the concept that people across the Strait are one family.

The development of cross-Strait relations has taken root among the people, and is driven by the people.

Despite the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' escalated efforts to hinder cross-Strait interaction, more than 7,000 people from the island took part in this year's Straits Forum gathering.

Notably, former Chinese Kuomintang Party Chairman Ma Ying-jeou made his attendance, marking the participation of the highest-level public figure from Taiwan.

This fully shows that cross-Strait exchange aligns with the will of the people, follows the trend of the times, and is unstoppable. The DPP authorities' regressive actions are destined to fail.

People across the Strait are bound by blood, a shared destiny and the same culture. They all yearn for peace, development, exchange and cooperation.

The mainland has always upheld the will of the people, walked alongside the people, and approached cross-Strait relations from the perspective of the fundamental interests and long-term development of the Chinese nation.

It remains steadfast in advancing exchange, promoting integrated development, and working hand-in-hand with the Taiwan compatriots to create a better future.

In 2023, a circular issued by the central authorities designated Fujian a demonstration zone for integrated cross-Strait development.

This vision of integrated cross-Strait development has since deepened, with policies and mechanisms refined and innovation breaking new ground. Integration driven by connectivity, emotional ties and the pursuit of mutual benefits has gained stronger momentum and vitality. The active participation of Taiwan compatriots and enterprises is the strongest evidence of this progress.

As long as people across the Strait continue to exchange and deepen cooperation while resolutely safeguarding peace, they will surely create a bright future of national reunification and rejuvenation. ■