On October 14, 2024, the 4th Yangtze Forum and Think Tank Forum took place in Chongqing, themed “Strengthening Communication and Cooperation, Safeguarding Our Common Home.” This forum brought together experts and scholars from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, as well as young people from Taiwan, to engage in discussions aimed at uniting Taiwanese compatriots and advancing cross-strait communication and collaborative development.

In his opening remarks, Jiang Liping, a standing committee member of the National People’s Political Consultative Conference and vice chairman and secretary-general of the China Democratic League, addressed the current challenges posed by the DPP’s firm stance on Taiwan independence, which he described as deliberately obstructing cross-strait exchanges and cooperation. He expressed that the mainstream sentiment in Taiwan is for peace, development, communication, and cooperation. The desire for closer ties among compatriots across the Strait is unstoppable, and the historical trend of advancing cross-strait relations is irreversible. Jiang called on attending experts and scholars to identify pressing issues faced by Taiwanese businesses and citizens, as well as new challenges arising from the development of cross-strait relations and changes in the Taiwan Strait.

Leng Bo, the deputy director of the Taiwan Research Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach utilizing political and economic tools to shape a more favorable international and cross-strait environment for unification. He also emphasized the importance of fostering integration and promoting exchanges in trade, society, and culture to win the hearts of people on the island.

Xiong Xiaoyu, deputy director of the Taiwan Research Institute at Wuhan University, pointed out that the psychological harm caused by extreme “Taiwan independence” advocates affects both sides of the Strait. He suggested that cultural exchanges are vital for addressing these wounds. He noted that ongoing grassroots cultural collaborations in areas like traditional culture, industry exchanges, and activities involving young people from Taiwan are crucial. “Traditional Chinese culture serves as the greatest common divisor and spiritual home for both sides,” he remarked, stressing that in the face of real challenges, it is essential to maintain a strong commitment to cultural exchanges, particularly through grassroots communications.

Lin Zhongwei, an associate researcher at the Modern Taiwan Research Institute of the Fujian Academy of Social Sciences, observed that some newcomers from Taiwan to the mainland often come with a mindset of “widening their horizons.” He suggested that the mainland should continue to amplify the positive effects of engaging this cohort from Taiwan, encouraging a shift in mindset among Taiwanese youth through a more micro perspective.