Forum calls for deeper cross-Strait exchanges to advance national reunification, rejuvenation

NANJING, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Scholars and experts across the Taiwan Strait on Friday called for deeper cross-Strait exchanges to advance China's complete reunification and national rejuvenation.

The 12th cross-Strait think tank academic forum, held in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, attracted more than 50 scholars and experts who shared views on the future of cross-Strait relations.

This year has witnessed positive developments in cross-Strait relations, said Sun Yafu, vice president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, citing the mainland's efforts to promote cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation and oppose "Taiwan independence" separatists.

"Reunification is an irreversible trend," said Wang Weixing, vice president of the National Society of Taiwan Studies.

Zhu Weidong, head of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stressed the importance of maintaining strategic resolve and confidence, and seizing strategic opportunities for national reunification.

Scholars from both sides should examine the current situation and explore paths for peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait, said Kao Su-Po, vice chairman of the 21st Century Foundation, a think tank in Taiwan, while expressing hope for more forward-looking studies and policy suggestions inspired by the forum. Enditem