Attending the Straits Forum, Chang Jung-kung: Promoting Cross-Strait Peace Is Essential for Taiwan's Prosperity

(Central News Agency reporter Wang Cheng-chung, Taipei, June 13) KMT Vice Chairman Chang Jung-kung delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the Straits Forum today, stating that the Kuomintang (KMT), rooted in Taiwan and pursuing Taiwan's prosperity, must promote peaceful development in cross-strait relations. The KMT, he stressed, bears an inescapable responsibility for 'prospering Taiwan through peace.'

The 18th Straits Forum opened today in Xiamen, with the KMT delegation led by Vice Chairman Chang Jung-kung. The KMT's Information and Communications Department released a press statement today, noting that Chang delivered his opening remarks in Xiamen, highlighting rising expectations from both sides of the strait and regional stakeholders for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The KMT, he reiterated, has an inescapable responsibility for 'prospering Taiwan through peace.'

Chang emphasized that because the KMT is rooted in Taiwan and committed to Taiwan's prosperity, it must advance peaceful cross-strait development. To achieve this goal, two conditions must be jointly maintained by all sectors across the strait: ethnic identity and political trust.

Chang stated that the Straits Forum has long been the largest, most grassroots, and broadest civilian exchange event across the strait, contributing to the cohesion of national sentiment. As long as both sides uphold the awareness that 'we are one family,' there is nothing that cannot be discussed and no differences that cannot be resolved.

He pointed out that historical experience proves that ethnic identity and political trust are fundamental guarantees for peaceful cross-strait development, enabling the realization of Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping's vision of 'speaking calmly and consulting frequently.' Despite any twists and turns in cross-strait relations, the Straits Forum has consistently worked to promote exchanges and cooperation, and advance peaceful development—efforts that deserve recognition.

According to the KMT, before attending the opening ceremony, Chang met with Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Chang noted that this year's Straits Forum maintains its consistent positioning of being civilian-led, grassroots-oriented, and broadly inclusive, and will more comprehensively connect the emotions of compatriots on both sides and more inclusively enhance the well-being of people across the strait. He expressed confidence that this is what the vast majority of Taiwan's people welcome.

Chang stated that over the long term, despite any fluctuations in cross-strait relations, the Straits Forum has consistently dedicated itself to promoting exchanges, cooperation, and peaceful development. He believes the forum will continue to play a key role and make significant contributions. The KMT is willing to work with all sectors across the strait to promote peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and pursue the well-being of people on both sides. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150613