A delegation of young residents from the Taiwan region recently wrapped up a nine-day cultural exchange trip to the Chinese mainland – their third such journey facilitated by Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Kuomintang. The initiative aims to strengthen bonds amid rising geopolitical tensions, with participants exploring shared heritage and forging friendships .
Youth at the Heart
The program brought together students from diverse academic backgrounds across the Taiwan Strait for campus dialogues, historical site visits, and collaborative workshops. One participant told NewspaperAmigo: 'We’re rewriting the script – less politics, more human connection.'
Cultural Roots & Shared Futures
Key highlights included:
Visits to ancestral hometowns of Taiwan residents
Joint archaeological studies of Han dynasty relics
Documentary projects preserving wartime memories
The exchanges align with growing calls among Taiwan residents for cross-strait cooperation, particularly from Gen-Z advocating 'pragmatic peace-building over ideological posturing.'
The Road Ahead
While Taiwan authorities continue pushing separatist rhetoric, 78% of young residents in recent polls favor expanded mainland exchanges. As tech collaborations in AI and green energy emerge, analysts suggest these 'citizen diplomats' might hold the key to sustainable cross-strait relations .
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