CCTV:

During his inspection of Fujian in March 2021, General SecretaryXi Jinpingmade important instructions for making greater strides in exploring the integrated development of both sides across the Straits. He also emphasized integrated development through connectivity, preferential policies, and relationships. How does the document reflect the important guiding principles put forward by General SecretaryXi Jinping? Thank you.

Pan Xianzhang:

In studying and drafting the guideline, the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, the NDRC, relevant departments, and Fujian province have earnestly studied and understood the guiding principles but forward by General SecretaryXi Jinping. Building upon the previous achievements made by Fujian in the work related to Taiwan, we will ensure the implementation of the guiding principles put forward by General SecretaryXi Jinpingacross all sectors and throughout the entire process.

First, we have made greater strides in boosting connectivity between Fujian and Taiwan. In recent years, we have firmly advanced the interconnectivity of water, electricity, and gas, along with constructing a bridge linking Kinmen and Matsu to the coastal areas of Fujian. The guideline further proposes advancing infrastructure interconnectivity between Fujian and Taiwan and exploring cooperation mechanisms between Xiamen and Kinmen for jointly building infrastructure. The guideline supports the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone in expediting the construction of a well-rounded openness framework for Taiwan, while encouraging joint efforts from industries, academia, research institutes, and companies across the Straits in formulating policies and measures, including industrial standards. This will make it convenient for Taiwan compatriots and businesspeople to travel to and from Fujian and facilitate their lives and work in Fujian.

Second, we have made significant progress in implementing measures that benefit Taiwan and its residents. The guidance has fully integrated effective policies and measures implemented over the years. Based in Fujian, it introduces stronger and more open equal treatment policies. This includes guidelines for special measures to relax market access, expand the recognition of Taiwan professional qualifications, and provide more convenience for Taiwan farmers and fishermen in land use, financing, and domestic market development. We also extend support to residents in Kinmen and Matsu, ensuring they receive the same treatment as local residents in Xiamen and Fuzhou. Additionally, we are launching pilot programs allowing Taiwan businesses to invest in and establish radio and television production and operation companies in Fujian. In summary, all these policies aim to create an environment where Taiwan compatriots feel welcomed, find comfortable in staying, and easily integrated and thrive.

Third, we have made significant progress in deepening people-to-people exchanges. Fujian and Taiwan share deep roots in terms of kinship, fellow villagers, in-laws, and folk beliefs. The guidance proposes establishing a global center for Minnan culture exchanges and promoting integrated development with Penghu. This will be achieved by leveraging the advantages of Quanzhou and Zhangzhou, both Minnan-dialect-speaking regions and the main ancestral places of Taiwan compatriots. We also support Longyan and Sanming in utilizing their advantages as Hakka ancestral lands to drive innovation in cross-Straits Hakka cultural exchanges. Additionally, the guidance proposes to launch traceability projects for Fujian and Taiwan history exhibitions and carry out activities such as matching Fujian and Taiwan genealogy, tracing roots, and paying homage to ancestors. We encourage compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits to work together to promote Chinese culture, as well as the protection, inheritance, and innovation of China's excellent traditional culture.

Yesterday, I came across a media comment that described the guidance as brimmed with friendship, valuable insights and confidence. We firmly believe that putting this guidance into practice will improve the policy framework for integrated cross-Straits development, facilitating more convenient personnel exchanges between Fujian and Taiwan. It will also foster smoother trade and investments while broadening exchanges and cooperation across wider areas and greater depth. This consensus acknowledges that people on both sides of the Straits are part of one family, and the ties between Fujian and Taiwan continue to strengthen. Thank you.