Yang Yizhou, vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) talked to CGTN on the cross-Straits ties, saying that despite the obstacles, both sides should create more opportunities to visit and know more about each other.

"What we are concerned about is how to promote communication and cooperation across the Taiwan Straits and how to deepen the integrated development of both sides," Yang said, mentioning the proposals the federation members across the country put forward to this year's Two Sessions.

"We have a responsibility to serve Taiwan compatriots, speak for them, protect their legitimate rights, and help them on matters involving the mainland. These remain unchanged," he said.

In the past year, the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots organized many exchange activities between the two sides of the Straits, especially among youth. When asked about his feelings regarding these activities, Yang Yizhou expressed happiness that many visitors from the Taiwan region came to visit the mainland.

"Our summer and winter camps received many young people from Taiwan, including those who had never come here before. They are impressed by what they see on the mainland, the overall infrastructure, the high-speed trains, the convenience of e-payment," Yang said.

"Once they are here, they form a different impression about the mainland," he stressed.

When talking about the obstacles that the authorities in the Taiwan region have put up to normal exchanges between the two sides, including travel and trade restrictions, Yang Yizhou said that their main purpose is to prevent cross-Straits exchanges.

"Take our summer camp for example. The authorities in Taiwan intimidated the students and teachers who wanted to come to the mainland for this program. They took various measures against them, especially during the election period in the island," he revealed.

Yang cited the example of the election that just concluded in Taiwan.

"Some 60 percent of people there don't support the Democratic Progressive Party (DDP). That was the same during the past year, which means many people in Taiwan do not like what the DPP authorities do and hope for better cross-Straits cooperation and communication," he said.

He said that cross-Straits relations are facing a very complex situation, and under such circumstances, all should think about is how to implement the integrated development of both sides smoothly.

"In that case, we can ensure that Taiwan compatriots, especially those who come to the mainland for a better opportunity, gain tangible benefits," he said.

"Since the pilot zone for cross-Straits integrated development was put forward in June last year, Fujian Province has issued detailed policies to support its construction and provide opportunities for Taiwan compatriots. So, I think it has a very broad and bright prospect," Yang said.

(Cover: Yang Yizhou, vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, in an interview with CGTN. /CGTN )