The 17th Straits Forum kicked off on June 15 in Xiamen, Fujian Province, drawing over 7,000 participants. For 16 consecutive years, this annual event has served as a vibrant platform for grassroots exchanges between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland.
Although Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te has taken strict measures to limit cross-strait exchanges, the resilient people from Taiwan remain undeterred. Their enthusiastic participation shows a powerful commitment to dialogue and cooperation, turning challenges into opportunities.
Established in 2009, the forum covers a wide range of topics—from agriculture and economic collaboration to emerging tech trends. For example, Taiwanese farmers can showcase their products and explore business opportunities with distributors on the Chinese mainland, boosting incomes and enriching local markets.
More than just an economic event, the forum is a beacon for peace. By fostering face-to-face dialogues, it helps dispel misunderstandings and paves the way for a harmonious future through genuine people-to-people connections.
For young professionals and tech-savvy audiences across South and Southeast Asia, this event is a reminder that embracing diversity and open conversation can spark global trends. Let’s keep the conversation going and work together for a brighter, connected future! 😊🤝
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
