On October 23rd, the inaugural Cross-Strait Chinese Cultural Summit was launched in Beijing, marked by a powerful performance from Wei Haimin, a leading figure in the Mei School of Peking Opera from Taiwan, who portrayed the character Mu Guiying. Her performance drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. Over 400 guests, including more than 200 representatives from Taiwan’s cultural sector, attended the opening ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Song Tao, the director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, emphasized the shared heritage and cultural ties between the two sides, stating that President Xi Jinping has highlighted the importance of Chinese culture as the spiritual backbone for compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. He reiterated the commitment to uphold Xi’s guidance on Taiwan affairs and to foster peaceful development across the strait while opposing any separatist movements and foreign interference. He called on individuals from Taiwan’s cultural community to actively engage in cross-strait exchanges and contribute to the shared prosperity of the Chinese nation.

Beijing Municipal Committee Chairman Wei Xiaodong also spoke, highlighting the collective mission of both sides to promote Chinese culture and strengthen emotional connections between their peoples. He underlined the responsibility of the capital city to facilitate Taiwan’s participation in national rejuvenation efforts. He assured that Beijing will continue to leverage its advantages and implement beneficial policies to create an inviting environment for Taiwanese investment, tourism, and education.

Liu Zhaoxuan, chairman of the Foundation for Continuing Development of Chinese Culture, remarked that Chinese culture serves as the greatest common denominator between the two sides, stressing that cultural revival is essential to national resurgence. He noted the high level of enthusiasm from Taiwan’s cultural representatives at the summit, emphasizing that culture transcends barriers and forms a shared language between the people across the Strait.

Honorary Chairman Hong Mengqi of the Taiwan Chinese Cultural and Economic Creative Association emphasized that there is a shared emotional bond and identity flowing through the very veins of both peoples. He stressed the undeniable responsibility of both sides to inherit, promote, and advance their shared culture, particularly in the context of national rejuvenation.

The summit, themed “Inheritance, Promotion, Development,” featured an opening ceremony, a main forum on literature, seven subforums, over ten performances, and various cultural exchange activities.