China News Service, Xiamen, September 19th, title: Unstoppable exchanges and cooperation, cross-strait relations move forward

　　China News Agency reporter Chen Xiaoyuan

　　The 12th Straits Forum will be held in Xiamen, Fujian on the 20th.

As the largest, widest and most influential non-governmental exchange event on both sides of the strait, the forum was successfully held this year under the normalized epidemic prevention and control situation and the DPP authorities’ blocking and interference, which is even more commendable.

　　As Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said a few days ago, this shows that strengthening cross-strait exchanges and cooperation is the mainstream public opinion of compatriots on both sides of the strait. The current difficulties and obstacles cannot shake the historical trend of cross-strait exchanges and cooperation.

　　Looking back on the development of cross-strait exchanges over the past 70 years, it is a process in which compatriots on both sides of the strait break through the barriers of isolation and move towards exchanges and cooperation. It is also a process in which a family moves from separation and isolation to integration.

　　Since the opening of family visits in 1987, people on both sides of the strait have increasingly frequent exchanges.

Especially after the historic turning point in cross-strait relations in 2008, great exchanges and great cooperation have gradually formed.

　　The following year, the Straits Forum, which was positioned as "non-governmental, grassroots, and extensive", was held in Fujian for the first time to build a broad platform for cross-strait exchanges and cooperation.

In the past 12 years, no matter how Taiwan’s political situation develops and changes, and what difficulties cross-strait relations encounter, the mainland has never stopped adhering to exchanges and cooperation for the benefit of people on both sides of the strait.

　　In the Straits Forum held for 12 consecutive years, people on both sides of the strait have continued to gain in-depth understanding of each other, jointly promote Chinese culture, and continue to promote integration and development. The concept of "a family on both sides of the strait" has become more popular.

　　However, since the DPP authorities came to power in 2016, they have refused to recognize the "92 Consensus" embodying the one-China principle and undermined the common political basis for cross-strait exchanges and cooperation. They have also continuously promoted "de-sinicization" through revisions to history textbooks, and revised laws and regulations. Create obstacles for cross-strait exchanges and cooperation.

Since the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia epidemic this year, mainland people have been completely restricted from going to Taiwan on the grounds of epidemic prevention in an attempt to cut off cross-strait non-governmental exchanges.

　　Even so, the inherent impetus and accumulated deep foundation of cross-strait exchanges and cooperation in various fields have formed an irreversible historical trend, which cannot be shaken by the immediate difficulties and obstacles.

The mainstream public opinion for exchanges and cooperation between the two sides of the strait is overwhelming.

　　Since the outbreak of the epidemic, compatriots on both sides of the strait have overcome temporary difficulties and successfully held a series of exchange activities through the combination of online and offline Internet, which has continued the momentum of cross-strait exchanges.

From January to February when the epidemic was the most severe, more than 100,000 Taiwanese compatriots still came to the mainland.

　　In the current global economic situation full of uncertainties, the mainland has taken the lead in overcoming the adverse effects of the epidemic, achieving full resumption of work and production, and steady economic recovery.

All walks of life in Taiwan also look forward to getting rid of the impact of the epidemic as soon as possible, developing the economy and improving people's livelihood.

Strengthening exchanges and cooperation conforms to the common aspirations and interests of the people on both sides of the strait.

　　Promoting cross-strait exchanges and cooperation is an important part of the mainland's Taiwan policy.

In recent years, the mainland has successively introduced "31" and "26" measures to help cross-strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation.

This year, "11 measures" were introduced to help Taiwanese companies respond to the epidemic.

The sincerity and goodwill of the mainland have injected strong impetus into cross-strait exchanges and cooperation.

　　If you don’t advance, you will retreat.

For cross-strait relations to develop peacefully, both sides need to meet each other halfway.

People from all walks of life on both sides of the strait need to work together to strengthen exchanges and cooperation to overcome difficulties.

　　The mainland has stated on many occasions that it is willing to strengthen exchanges with various parties, groups, and individuals in Taiwan on the basis of the common political foundation of adhering to the "1992 consensus" and opposing "Taiwan independence."

　　At this Straits Forum, relevant parties, organizations, and people from all walks of life in Taiwan have overcome various difficulties and come to participate in the grand event, which demonstrates the responsibility, responsibility and courage to develop cross-strait relations.

　　I believe that as more and more people from all walks of life in Taiwan participate in cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, enhance mutual understanding and trust, seek common ground while reserving differences, and then gather common ground while reserving differences, the prospects for peaceful development of cross-strait relations can be expected.

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