NPC Voices Support for Reunification and Youth Engagement

During a recent gathering at the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), representatives from Taiwan reiterated their stance on reunification, asserting that the push for "Taiwan independence" cannot impede the overarching historical movement towards unity. Yan Ke, a delegate and vice president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, highlighted that over 4 million visits from Taiwanese individuals to the mainland occurred in 2024, demonstrating persistent connections across the Taiwan Strait, despite the efforts of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to disrupt these exchanges.

Yan highlighted the Chinese government's commitment to enhancing cross-Strait development as outlined in the Government Work Report, which aims to elevate the living standards of people on both sides while fostering national rejuvenation. He expressed hope that Taiwanese citizens would recognize the importance of opposing the "Taiwan independence" agenda and would work together to maintain peace in the region. In light of the DPP's recent restrictions on academic collaborations with mainland institutions, Deputy Chen Yunying, who also serves with the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, argued that these limitations would not significantly deter Taiwanese youths' ambitions to study in the mainland, given their aspirations and the numerous academic events held there.

Additionally, Chen noted that the DPP's policies could provoke resistance among the youth due to their suppression of developmental opportunities. Tao Jun, another deputy and leader within the Taiwanese Democratic Self-Government League, emphasized the challenges that Taiwanese youth face due to barriers that limit their access to information about the mainland. He called for collaboration in key sectors such as technology and health sciences, proposing the formation of innovation hubs to facilitate integrated growth for young people from both regions.

Responding to inquiries about tourism policies, Chen pointed out that Taiwan’s tourism economy is eager for progress in terms of group travel regulations imposed by mainland authorities. He criticized the DPP for their reluctance to facilitate tourism from the mainland to Taiwan, suggesting that a reopened dialogue would be beneficial for both economies. Zhou Qi, also a vice president of the Federation, reminded attendees of historical milestones, specifically the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery in 2025. He encouraged the youth to gain a true understanding of history and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts for Taiwan's modernization, suggesting that a deeper comprehension of this shared history could inspire young people to foster stronger ties with the mainland. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reinforced China’s historical position regarding Taiwan, asserting that it has always been regarded as a province of China.