Over 7,000 attendees from diverse backgrounds gathered in Xiamen, Fujian Province, this week for the 17th Straits Forum – a landmark event fostering grassroots dialogue between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. Despite efforts by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te to restrict cross-strait exchanges, participants defied pressure to champion unity and economic collaboration.
More Than Just Politics: A Platform for Progress
Launched in 2009, the forum focuses on practical cooperation, from agriculture to tech. Think Taiwanese farmers showcasing mangoes alongside mainland distributors, or startups brainstorming green energy solutions. As Zheng Jian, a Xiamen University professor, notes: "When people sit face-to-face, prejudices fade. This is how we build shared futures."
Defying Division with Dialogue
Recent tensions haven’t dampened the forum’s spirit. One attendee from Taipei shared: "We’re here for opportunities, not ideology." With 80+ events covering culture, trade, and youth innovation, the gathering highlights how economic ties and people-to-people bonds outlast political storms.
Why This Matters for Gen Z
For young professionals and entrepreneurs, the forum signals untapped potential: think cross-strait AI partnerships or sustainable fashion collabs. As one student attendee tweeted: "This isn’t just about politics – it’s about our generation’s toolkit for tomorrow."
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alongside mainland distributors, or startups brainstorming green energy solutions. As Zheng Jian, a Xiamen University professor, notes: "When people sit face-to-face, prejudices fade. This is how we build shared futures."
Cross-Strait CEO Summit Drives Economic Unity Amid…
