In a bid to deepen cross-strait integration and strengthen the sense of shared national identity, over 80 scholars from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered in Fuzhou to discuss the construction of a common homeland.
On October 19, the Minjiang University Cross-Strait Integration Development Forum hosted an academic seminar focused on building a shared community for the Chinese nation.
Professor Huang Qingxian, director of the Taiwan Politics Research Center at Nankai University, emphasized the deep-rooted connections between the people of both sides, stating that they share a common heritage and culture. He argued that this established a “common destiny” awareness, which should drive cross-strait compatriots to reinforce their sense of national community, seize opportunities for modernization in China, and collaboratively create a shared homeland for both sides while pursuing national rejuvenation.
Associate Professor Wang Mengjun from Guangxi Normal University delivered a keynote speech on “The Pathways to Building a Shared Community for Young Taiwanese People through Cyberspace.” She noted that social media platforms from mainland China, such as WeChat, Xiaohongshu, and Douyin, have gained significant popularity among Taiwanese youth. These platforms create opportunities for communication and interaction, allowing mainland China to share historical narratives, favorable policies, and collaborative initiatives with young people in Taiwan.
“Engaging young people from both sides in online spaces can help build consensus, enhance interaction, and foster a deeper understanding, leading to a new community of ‘cross-strait netizens.’ This is essential for deepening national identity and reinforcing the sense of a shared ethnic community,” Wang stated.
In the afternoon, experts and scholars engaged in in-depth discussions on three key topics: the goals of building a shared community for the Chinese nation, the pathways to achieving this, and the practical efforts involved.
Researcher Zhang Guanhua from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences emphasized the importance of recognizing the economic ties between both sides as part of the Chinese national economy. He highlighted that gradually establishing a common market and an economic community is critical for maintaining and building a shared homeland, advancing national unification, and realizing national rejuvenation.
Professor Zheng Xiaoxue from Minjiang University remarked, “Our shared roots and common historical memories and cultural heritage provide a solid foundation for the people on both sides to build a common homeland.” Additionally, Professor Wang Heting from Suzhou University suggested a need for enhancing national unity and ensuring the rights and welfare of Taiwanese citizens in various contexts while promoting social integration between both sides.
This seminar, organized by Minjiang University and hosted by its Institute for Cross-Strait Integration Development, is considered an important step towards exploring new paths for cross-strait integration in Fujian, constructing a demonstration area for integrated development, and fostering a better community for all Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
