On October 22, in Beijing, Song Tao, the director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, met with Liu Zhaoxuan, the chairman of the Eternal Development Foundation of Chinese Culture, along with other representatives from Taiwan’s cultural community who came to participate in the inaugural Strait Cultural Summit.
During the meeting, Song emphasized the importance of thoroughly implementing the significant directives from General Secretary Xi Jinping regarding Taiwan and the essence of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee. He underscored the need to foster cultural exchanges across the Strait and to jointly promote Chinese culture. Song remarked that both sides of the Strait belong to one China, and that Chinese culture serves as the emotional foundation and sense of belonging for the people on both sides. He expressed support for individuals in Taiwan’s cultural sector to unite against “cultural independence,” aiming to foster emotional resonance among compatriots and strengthen confidence in Chinese culture. He believes that this effort will contribute powerful spiritual support for the comprehensive advancement of national development and the great rejuvenation of the nation, ultimately achieving new brilliance for Chinese culture during the process of national reunification.
Liu Zhaoxuan responded by noting that Chinese culture is the most fundamental link between the two sides, deeply ingrained in the hearts of the Taiwanese people. He expressed concern over the trend of “de-Sinicization” in Taiwan. Liu reiterated the hope to enhance cultural exchanges across the Strait, deepen mutual understanding, promote the values and wisdom inherent in Chinese culture, and strengthen the foundation for peaceful development between the two sides.
