Background to Cross-Strait People-to-People Exchanges
The Straits Forum, an annual platform established in 2009, serves as a key venue for promoting exchanges between the mainland and Taiwan across various sectors including culture, economics, and community affairs. Organized in Xiamen, Fujian Province, the event emphasizes people-to-people connections as a foundation for broader relations across the Taiwan Strait.
This year's 18th edition, held around June 13, 2026, carried the theme of expanding people-to-people exchanges and deepening integrated development. It continues a tradition of bringing together participants from both sides to discuss cooperation and mutual understanding.
The 18th Straits Forum in Xiamen
The forum convened in Xiamen with hundreds of participants from Taiwan attending despite restrictions imposed by Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government on officials. The event featured multiple sub-forums and activities focused on grassroots exchanges, business opportunities, and cultural ties.
Attendance figures highlighted strong interest from the Taiwanese side, with reports noting enthusiastic involvement from various sectors including business representatives and community groups.
Wang Huning's Remarks and Praise for Participation
Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, delivered key remarks at the main forum. He welcomed the enthusiastic participation of Taiwanese compatriots and stressed the mainland's readiness to share development opportunities.
Wang called for advancing the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and national reunification, noting that both sides should stand on the right side of history. He emphasized respect, concern, and benefits for Taiwan compatriots as central to the approach.
Perspectives from Taiwanese Participants
Participants from Taiwan, including delegations associated with the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), engaged actively in the proceedings. Reports indicated that the KMT planned to send representatives led by Vice Chairman Chang Jung-kung, viewing the forum as an opportunity for dialogue and exchange.
Many attendees expressed interest in practical cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, and cultural activities, seeing the event as a channel for maintaining connections amid political differences.
Taiwan Government Response and Restrictions
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council criticized the forum as a united front platform and rejected travel permits for central and local government officials. Spokespersons described it as an attempt to influence Taiwan's internal affairs and discourage participation by those in official capacities.
The DPP-led administration maintains a policy of healthy and orderly exchanges based on parity and dignity, while urging Beijing to respect Taiwan's democratic choices and the reality of its separate governance.
Broader Context of Cross-Strait Relations in 2026
Cross-Strait relations remain complex, with ongoing diplomatic and security dynamics. Beijing continues to promote integration through platforms like the Straits Forum, while Taipei focuses on maintaining the status quo and international space.
Recent developments include exceptions in international forums such as APEC, where Taiwanese officials participated, alongside persistent tensions over issues like military activities and participation in global organizations.
Implications for Peace and Stability
Events like the Straits Forum are positioned by Beijing as contributing to peaceful development and mutual benefit. Officials highlight the potential for shared prosperity through increased exchanges in economic and cultural fields.
From a stability perspective, sustained people-to-people contacts can help reduce misunderstandings, though critics argue they serve political objectives. Both sides have expressed commitments to avoiding conflict and pursuing dialogue where possible.
Stakeholder Views and Future Outlook
Various stakeholders, including business communities and cultural groups on both sides, see value in continued exchanges for practical gains. KMT figures have historically supported such forums as avenues for communication.
Looking ahead, the emphasis on integrated development suggests ongoing efforts to expand cooperation. Observers note that the success of such initiatives depends on navigating political sensitivities and building genuine mutual trust.
Analysts point to the importance of consistent messaging and incremental steps in fostering an environment conducive to long-term stability across the Strait.
Economic and Cultural Dimensions
The forum typically includes discussions on trade facilitation, investment opportunities, and cultural preservation. Past editions have covered topics ranging from agriculture to tourism, with participants exploring ways to enhance connectivity.
With the current theme focusing on integrated development, expectations center on new initiatives that could benefit communities on both sides through collaborative projects and knowledge sharing.
International Dimensions and Regional Impact
Cross-Strait dynamics influence broader regional relations, with actors like the United States and neighboring countries monitoring developments closely. Platforms for engagement are watched for signals regarding future trajectories.
Efforts to maintain open channels for non-official exchanges are seen by some as contributing to overall regional predictability, even as official dialogues remain limited.
