Mainland, Taiwan youths called on to contribute to national rejuvenation

BEIJING - The Chinese mainland's Taiwan affairs chief on Sunday called on youths on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to jointly shoulder the historic mission of national rejuvenation and contribute to cross-Straits integrated development.

Liu Jieyi, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at the opening ceremony of a summit on cross-Straits exchange and cooperation among the youths.

Young people on the two sides of the Straits should value this great time, be responsible and do their share in safeguarding and building the common home of compatriots on the two sides of the Strait, Liu said.

"Attempts by the 'Taiwan independence' forces to undermine cross-Straits peace and obstruct national development will never be allowed," he said.

He also pledged to provide better conditions for youths from Taiwan to carry out exchanges, study, work and start businesses on the mainland.

As Saturday marks the centenary of the May Fourth Movement, Liu called on the youths on both sides of the Straits to pass on the May Fourth spirit, which refers to patriotism, progress, democracy and science, with patriotism at the core.