Taiwan youth's mainland trip: Interactions for a better future

Editor's note: Zheng Jian, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is deputy director of the Research and Study Committee in the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification, and chair professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

On December 26, a group of young people from China's Taiwan region concluded their nine-day visit to the Chinese mainland and returned to Taiwan. They were led by Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party. In two years, the veteran politician led three youth delegations from Taiwan island to the Chinese mainland and facilitated two reciprocal visits for mainland youth to Taiwan.

Each visit, resulting in considerable discussions on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, was made possible only after overcoming significant resistance in Taiwan. The "ice-breaking" nature of the exchanges is worthy of reflection.

The mainland's unwavering commitment to promoting cross-straits exchanges, especially among young people, is well-known and enjoys strong support across its society. On the Taiwan side, these efforts are driven by the sense of mission and responsibility of senior leaders like Ma Ying-jeou, who adhere to the fundamental position of the Chinese nation and are deeply concerned about the divisive agenda of Taiwan separatists.

These efforts are also inspired by the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, which favors cross-straits exchanges, cooperation and peaceful development while opposing the "independence" rhetoric that risks provoking conflict. The exchanges are fueled by the natural desire of young people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits for understanding, empathy, emotional connection, and mutual recognition.

Most importantly, these efforts align with the broader arc of history: the inevitable rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the ultimate realization of national reunification.

Ma's three visits to the mainland with Taiwan youth have several striking commonalities, which can be concluded by seven words: youth, exchange, roots, culture, war memories, progress and contrast.

Youth: The young people included students from a wide range of schools and diverse backgrounds, and they interacted with young people on the mainland across a wide range of schools and diverse backgrounds as well. This emphasis on youth underscores an optimistic outlook for the future of cross-straits relations.

Exchange: The visits facilitated rich and multi-layered exchanges – not only among young people from the mainland and Taiwan but also between youth and various communities, organizations, and institutions on both sides. The face-to-face discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping also brought new insights to these young people. Their emotional connections were enhanced through the exchanges at various levels and in various areas.

Roots: The visitors were taken on a journey tracing Taiwan's shared heritage with the mainland, from the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor, one of the ancient Chinese emperors who helped to shape Chinese history, and identity, to the Huanghuagang 72 Martyrs Cemetery in southern China, the cemetery of the heroes who took part in the uprising against the Qing Dynasty government, and the Whampoa Military Academy that was pivotal to the development of the modern Chinese army and navy. These landmarks – from the cradle of the Chinese civilization to milestones of the 1911 Revolution and the Northern Expedition – enabled the young people from Taiwan to tangibly experience the roots of their identity and the origins of everything they possess today.

Culture: The journeys also highlight culture. Traveling the vast expanse of the mainland, from east to west, north to south, with stops at cultural treasures such as the Sanxingdui Ruins, the Terracotta Army, the Great Wall, and the Palace Museum brought the visitors face-to-face with the dazzling brilliance of China's cultural heritage. These sites showcase the grandeur and depth of Chinese civilization, providing a vivid and immersive experience of the vastness of the Chinese land and the richness of its culture.

War memories: Visits to wartime memorial sites such as the Lugou Bridge, Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, Unit 731 Museum, Chongqing Anti-Japanese War Site Museum, and Museum of the War of the Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression left a deep impression. The indignation felt by these young people spoke volumes. Their rendition of the song "Great Wall Ballad" atop the Great Wall was an expression of their shared sorrow.

Progress: From cutting-edge technology at DJI, Tencent and BYD to the awe-inspiring achievements of the China Academy of Space Technology, Harbin Electric, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the "Ice Ribbon" (National Speed Skating Oval) and the "Bird's Nest" (National Stadium), the visits provided a window into the present and future of Chinese modernization. The young visitors gained a deeper understanding of the strong momentum of national rejuvenation.

"Contrast" was also an outstanding feature. Nearly every trip coincided with provocations from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and "pro-independence" separatist forces in Taiwan, often marked by provocative visits abroad and fawning pro-American gestures. The intents and outcomes couldn't be more different: One side strives to promote mutual understanding; the other stirs up hostility. One side promotes peace; the other stokes war. One side rekindles the deep familial bond of shared blood; the other sows baseless hatred by labeling compatriots as "outsiders." One flows with the tide of history; the other swims against the current.

The differences in perspective, vision, and emotional depth are glaring – and so are the likely futures these paths lead to. Taiwan youth are rational and smart. Their enthusiasm for these visits, even under pressure, and the leadership of outstanding students joining the delegations, demonstrate their courage and foresight.

These trips have injected a refreshing stream of hope into the often-fraught waters of cross-strait relations. The interactions have added much-needed stability to the relationship between the two sides. For those who took part, these visits will remain cherished, lifelong memories. In contrast, the repeated smearing and attacks by separatists on the island appear not only petty but out of touch with public sentiment.

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