On October 26, in a recent interview in Shiyan, Hubei, Zhou Ning, the Vice President of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, reflected on the 40-year history of cross-strait relations. He emphasized that it has been a journey marked by overcoming various challenges while continually promoting economic, social, and emotional integration between the two sides. “Both sides of the Taiwan Strait should draw upon historical wisdom, seek common ground while reserving differences, and work towards bridging those differences,” Zhou stated.

He acknowledged that as the Chinese nation embarks on a new path toward rejuvenation, the ongoing efforts toward national reunification have gained momentum. The power to shape cross-strait relations is increasingly being held by those who cherish peace and seek unity. However, Zhou also highlighted the increasing complexity and severity of the situation, noting that “Taiwan independence” and external interference remain significant obstacles to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Zhou reiterated that people from both sides share common roots and a bloodline, forming an inseparable community of destiny. He argued that the reality of both sides belonging to one nation and one ethnicity is undeniable, and the mainstream sentiment favoring peace, development, exchange, and cooperation cannot be overlooked. In response to various separatist activities advocating for “Taiwan independence,” the mainland has adopted firm countermeasures to ensure the proper development of cross-strait relations and uphold the goal of national reunification, safeguarding the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation.

He pointed out that the strength of the nation and the rejuvenation of the ethnic group are closely intertwined with the future and fate of people in Taiwan. Over the past 40 years of reform and opening up, many Taiwanese individuals have participated in the development of the mainland, sharing in its achievements. The recent Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party outlined strategic measures for deepening reforms, which not only provide significant momentum and institutional support for Chinese-style modernization but also create better conditions and broader space for Taiwanese individuals and enterprises to thrive on the mainland.

Zhou underscored that the integration of development between the two sides is not only an inevitable trend for economic and social development but also serves as an essential foundation for national reunification and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He called for people on both sides to enhance understanding through communication, resolve differences through consultation, expand mutual benefits through collaboration, and maintain a forward-looking perspective. “By building on the political foundation of the 1992 Consensus, we can pave new paths for cross-strait integrated development and solidify the foundations for national reunification and ethnic rejuvenation,” he concluded.

The remarks came during the seventh seminar on “National Unification and Ethnic Rejuvenation,” organized by the Zhongshan Cultural Exchange Association, Central China Normal University, and the Hubei Strait Exchange Promotion Association. The event gathered nearly a hundred scholars and experts from both sides to discuss the theme “Upholding the Fundamental Interests of the Nation and Co-creating Lasting Well-being for the People.”