Straits Forum Focuses on Cross-Straits Dialogue and Youth Engagement

The 17th Straits Forum commenced on June 15, 2025, in Xiamen, Fujian Province, East China. The event saw over 7,000 participants from various sectors in Taiwan, including former Chinese Kuomintang party chairman Ma Ying-jeou, who led a delegation of Taiwanese youth. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended and delivered a speech.

Wang highlighted the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the recovery of Taiwan, as a shared national memory. He emphasized the importance of preserving the fruits of that victory. Wang stressed that both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China, advocating for upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus. He called for opposing "Taiwan independence" and external interference to safeguard peace and stability. Prior to the forum, Wang met with representatives from Taiwan.

Ma Ying-jeou, in his forum speech, emphasized communication as crucial for cross-Straits relations, highlighting the youth as the future hope. He stated that continuous exchanges are essential to reduce misunderstandings and hostility. Ma acknowledged the challenges in cross-Straits relations but stressed that people-to-people interactions cannot be interrupted. He asserted that no political force can stop sincere interactions or sever the kinship shared by Chinese people across the Straits.

Ma stated that deepening cooperation and seeking a shared future based on the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" is the path to a peaceful and mutually beneficial situation. Visiting Xiamen for the first time, Ma expressed feelings of excitement and familiarity, noting the resonance between Taiwan and Fujian in language, customs, cuisine, and human interactions. He highlighted the shared historical ties between Fujian and Taiwan. Ma also noted an increasing interest among Taiwanese youth in studying, interning, and working in the mainland.

grassroots, youth, cultural, and economic exchanges, encompassing 56 activities. The main venue was in Xiamen, with concentrated activities over a week.

The Mazu Cultural Activity Week, with seven sub-events, including a study camp for teachers and students, attracted thousands of participants. A Taiwan talent conference in Xiamen saw participation from nearly 100 employers and policy consulting agencies, with youth comprising about 80 percent of attendees.

Zhang Wensheng, a professor at Xiamen University's Taiwan Research Institute, stated that the Straits Forum serves as a grassroots channel for cross-Straits exchanges, emphasizing its inclusiveness and broad participation. Zhang also noted that Ma's attendance was significant and groundbreaking, potentially encouraging greater engagement among the Taiwanese public.