ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The annual Cross-Straits Youth Summit opened in Beijing on Thursday, gathering more than 700 individuals from all walks of life, along with youth representatives from both sides of the Taiwan Straits.
At the opening ceremony, Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that younger generations on both sides of the Straits play a key role as participants and promoters of national rejuvenation, from which they will benefit.
He called on them to firmly oppose “Taiwan independence” separatism and foreign interference, and to actively engage in cross-Straits exchanges and integrated development.
Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, addressed the opening ceremony via video. He encouraged young people on both sides to increase exchanges and learn from each other, working together to open a bright future for the Chinese nation.
A series of forums and an exhibition showcasing sci-tech and cultural integrated development will be held during this year’s summit.
