On Saturday in Taipei, a group of Taiwan-based social media influencers took to the stage at the "Peace Talks" offline forum 🕊️ to criticize the Taiwan authorities, led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), for pushing a secessionist narrative and to call for dialogue over confrontation in cross-strait ties.
"We call for dialogue between the two sides and for a rejection of war," said Su Heng, one of the forum's organizers and a political commentary vlogger. The event was also livestreamed online, reaching followers who share a vision of peace.
Former Taiwan People's Party chairman Ko Wen-je joined via video, stressing that differences in cross-strait relations are inevitable – but how they're managed makes all the difference. "We need to replace confrontation with dialogue 🤝," he said, warning that the authorities led by the Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te are pushing residents of Taiwan toward greater risks.
Vlogger "I am Jack Liu" argued that the DPP's policy won't protect Taiwan and has instead harmed the island. "Resolving issues through dialogue will best serve the interests of residents of Taiwan," he told the audience.
Another attendee, known as Xiaojie, engages over 150,000 YouTube subscribers with on-the-ground interviews from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Having traveled to the mainland almost every year, he says he's seen development and goodwill firsthand. "People on the mainland genuinely see us as one family," he shared.
Su Heng said "Peace Talks" will continue in a series of forums, aiming to awaken more people to the idea that war must not be a choice and that communication is the key to safeguarding peace and cross-strait ties 🕊️.
Reference(s):
Taiwan social media influencers call for cross-Strait dialogue
cgtn.com
