As the new year begins, Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, has set the tone for 2026. In a New Year message published in the first issue of Relations Across Taiwan Strait magazine, he extended warm greetings to residents of Taiwan and shared the Chinese mainland's goals for the year. 🎉
According to Song, the Chinese mainland will implement the Party’s overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era. This means sticking to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, uniting with residents of Taiwan, promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties, and advancing national reunification.
He emphasized the importance of open communication: “We are willing to engage in dialogue and consultation with various political parties, groups, and individuals of insight from all walks of life in Taiwan regarding cross-Strait relations and national reunification, based on the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus.”
Song added: “We are ready to strive for the bright prospect of [China's] peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and greatest effort, but we will never leave any room for 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities in any form.”
Why it matters: For young professionals, entrepreneurs, and students on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, this roadmap could open new doors to cultural exchanges, business partnerships, and academic collaboration. While the call for reunification remains firm, the focus on peaceful dialogue and cooperation suggests a year of potential connection rather than conflict.
We’ll be tracking how these plans unfold throughout 2026—especially for those exploring opportunities in trade, tech, and education across the Taiwan Strait. 🌐
Reference(s):
Mainland to boost cross-Strait ties, advance national reunification
cgtn.com
