Beyond political divide: The enduring bonds across Taiwan Strait

Editor's note: Han Bing, a special commentator for CGTN, is a researcher at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

In order to curb cross-Strait exchanges and weaken people-to-people ties, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in China's Taiwan region has mobilized its propaganda machine to fabricate the lie that "the mainland is dangerous."

The Taiwan authorities not only release weekly updates on Taiwan residents reportedly missing or detained in the Chinese mainland, but have also attempted to block the "Taiwan Youth e-Home" platform launched by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of China, calling it a tool for "information warfare" and "psychological warfare."

The DPP also maintains an "orange" travel warning for the mainland, advising Taiwan residents to carefully assess the risks of traveling there and avoid such trips whenever possible. In these ways, it is trying to incite hostility against the mainland, and obstruct and undermine cross-Straits exchanges, cooperation and integrated development. 

However, facts speak louder than words. Over the past few decades, cross-Strait relations have seen remarkable progress. ‌The mainland's development – in particular the steady increase in its economic power and technological strength – provides broad space and opportunities for cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation. As more and more compatriots from Taiwan, especially young people, pursue their studies, start businesses, seek jobs, or go to live in the mainland, the economic ties and personal bonds between people on both sides are becoming increasingly close, strengthening their shared cultural and national identities.

The latest data highlights this trend. In the first half of 2026, cross-Strait travel reached 3.12 million, a year-on-year increase of 22.1%. Nearly three million Taiwan residents traveled to the mainland, a 24.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Increased exchanges, broader cooperation and closer interactions have brought tangible benefits.

The mainland is committed to promoting peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations especially by improving institutional arrangements and policies to facilitate cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation. For a long time, the DPP and the agencies under it built an "information cocoon" to block cross-Strait exchanges for their political gain. Especially during elections, the DPP authorities did everything possible to target the mainland, which led to misunderstandings among some people in Taiwan. However, as people-to-people exchanges bring tangible benefits to people on both sides, especially those in Taiwan, more and more people see through these political tricks.

Although the DPP authorities try to fabricate the lie of "danger from the mainland," blood is thicker than water, and the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same roots, language and culture. Historical and kinship ties cannot be severed by a few political lies. Peace, development, and a decent life are the common desire of people on both sides of the Strait.

The DPP authorities' separatist propaganda tries to create misconceptions over cross-Strait relations, but it cannot stop the people of Taiwan from seeking opportunities and pursuing development. Exchanges between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait will help enhance mutual understanding, strengthen mutual trust, and consolidate their shared identity.

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