CHINA (Reuters) — The chairperson of the Taiwan-based Kuomintang (KMT) party Hung Hsiu-chu on Sunday called people on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to pursue peace and closer relations when addressing the 9th Straits Forum held in Xiamen, east China’s Fujian Province.
“Although the relationship between the two sides now seems gloomy, as long as we kindle the light of peace in our heart and move ahead resolutely and unswervingly, one light will kindle thousands of lights that will shine together to eventually break the darkness and bring light for the future of the two sides,” said Hung.
Focusing on grassroots exchanges and cross-Strait integration, the week-long annual forum features 21 major activities on youth, grassroots communities, and trade.
The rapid growth of the mainland showcased through the activities has drawn the attention of the forum attendees from Taiwan.
Hung spoke highly of the mainland’s development in her speech.
“Because of the rapid rise and progress of the mainland, there is no big difference between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait in terms of material life. In fact, the mainland is more advanced than Taiwan in the development of Alipay, the Internet of Things, the export of high-speed rail and the film and television industry. In addition, the two sides are closely connected by the same culture and same root and have maintained communication and close exchange for years. So the two sides should become increasingly close and intimate,” said Hung.