Cross-strait youth collaboration for a shared future

Recently, a delegation of young people from China's Taiwan area visited the Chinese mainland to participate in the "Cross-Strait Youth Ice and Snow Festival." It was headed by Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party. This is his third visit to the mainland in two years，These exchanges are significant. The youth from Chinese mainland and Taiwan, despite growing up in distinct environments, face similar challenges and opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world. As globalization deepens, competition in areas such as technology, culture, and the economy will gradually intensify. If young people from both sides can collaborate, they will be better equipped to navigate future challenges. Through exchange activities, they have the chance to experience cultural differences, dispel prejudices, and discover shared values and potential areas for cooperation.

Seeds of collaboration

The "Ice and Snow Festival" offers a firsthand experience of the mainland's natural beauty and local culture as well as intellectual and social exchanges. Such interactions not only narrow distances but also plant the seeds of future collaboration. When the younger generations understand and trust one another, the foundation for cross-strait relations becomes more resilient.

The evolution of cross-strait relations depends fundamentally on the understanding and support of the people. Young people bear the responsibility and hope for future peace and stability. They have the courage to challenge the status quo and the creativity to forge new paths for collaboration. Through exchanges with mainland youth, young people from Taiwan can gain deeper insights into the mainland's development trajectory and cultural richness, lessening misunderstandings and fostering cooperation.

Conversely, mainland youth can also better appreciate Taiwan's diverse culture and societal values through these interactions, gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the real Taiwan. Multi-level engagement allows both sides to align emotionally and ideologically, forming a vital basis for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations.

Practical implications and challenges

However, fostering youth exchanges across the Taiwan Straits is not without challenges. Historical and current differences often present obstacles. Some young people remain skeptical or hesitant about cross-strait engagement. In this context, exchange programs are crucial, enabling organic interactions. Following the principles of equality and mutual respect, these initiatives can achieve their goal of enhancing understanding and collaboration.

Youth exchanges should expand beyond cultural interactions to encompass areas such as technological innovation and entrepreneurial cooperation. By addressing practical challenges together, young people from both sides can build trust and rapport more effectively. Their interactions can bring immediate positive impacts and shape the long-term dynamics of peace and cooperation.

★ 推荐阅读 ★

来源 | CGTN
京彩台湾

微信号：bjstb2017