A tourist from southeast China's Taiwan region shows other visitors a photo taken 30 years ago of himself posing with the Leshan Giant Buddha statue at the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area in southwest China's Sichuan Province, September 14, 2024. /CFP
Since the beginning of this year, the Chinese mainland has recorded over 3 million entries by Taiwan compatriots, a 70 percent increase year-on-year, said a Chinese mainland spokesperson on Thursday.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, highlighted these figures during a press briefing.
The number, Chen noted, fully demonstrates that peace, development, exchanges and cooperation are the prevailing public sentiments in the Taiwan region and reflect the common aspirations of Taiwan compatriots.
The spokesperson added that the mainland has consistently welcomed and supported the extensive participation of Taiwan compatriots in cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation across various fields.
The mainland will continue to improve systems and policies aimed at enhancing the well-being of Taiwan compatriots and will foster closer connections between compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits through exchanges and integration, Chen said.
(With input from Xinhua)