Song Tao, head of the CPC’s Taiwan Work Office, said both parties bore responsibility for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and the protection of the “Chinese homeland.” He outlined five pillars for future ties: adherence to the “1992 consensus,” deeper integration, improving people’s livelihoods and family bonds, opposing Taiwanese independence, safeguarding peace in the Taiwan Strait, and supporting national “rejuvenation.”
The “1992 consensus” refers to a tacit understanding between the CPC and KMT that both sides recognize “one China,” though each interprets the term differently. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has never accepted the consensus.
Forum participants issued 15 common opinions, including calls to restore normal cross-strait travel, resume direct sea and air passenger services, and expand cooperation in tourism, healthcare, environmental protection, disaster prevention, and emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and new energy.
Taiwan tourism representatives expressed hope that exchanges could return to regular patterns, while experts highlighted complementary strengths in semiconductors and industrial chains.
KMT Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen said the party aimed to address urgent issues affecting Taiwan’s industries, including tourism and cross-strait cooperation in technology and climate change. “The two sides of the Strait should cooperate rather than confront each other and allow other countries to exploit Taiwan,” he said.
In Taipei, DPP China Affairs Director Wu Jun-zhi cautioned that such forums, though presented as civil exchanges, were closely tied to national security and supply chains. Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng accused the KMT of ignoring Beijing’s “growing hostility,” citing military activity, diplomatic and economic pressure, and attempts to target Taiwanese officials and civilians.
The forum, themed “prospects for cross-strait exchange and cooperation,” drew more than 100 participants from both sides, including think tank members, industry representatives, and experts in tourism, healthcare, and technology.
