Representatives across the Strait call for opposing independence, resisting external interference

Representatives across the Taiwan Strait called for opposing "Taiwan independence" and resisting external interference to safeguard their shared homeland at a cross-Strait compatriots exchange event held in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Friday.

Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, addressed the event, calling on people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to strengthen their sense of community as members of the Chinese nation.

He urged compatriots across the Strait to uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference, and keep the future and destiny of the country and the Chinese nation firmly in the hands of the Chinese people, working together to create a bright future for national rejuvenation.

Song praised the patriotic and pro-reunification forces in Taiwan for their contributions to protecting the shared homeland and advancing national reunification.

"The great motherland will always be a strong source of support for the patriotic and pro-reunification forces on the island," Song said.

The compatriots exchange event, now in its sixth edition, focused this year on peaceful development, protecting the homeland, united efforts and striving for rejuvenation. Jointly organized by the mainland-based cross-Strait relations research center and patriotic and pro-reunification groups in Taiwan, the event brought together more than 120 representatives from Taiwan and the mainland, including political party leaders, scholars and youth representatives.

Chen Xiaojiang, secretary of the CPC Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee, said Xinjiang will implement policies benefiting Taiwan compatriots and deepen practical cooperation across various fields, while promoting exchanges and integration between Taiwan compatriots and people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, thereby making greater contributions to deepening cross-Strait integrated development and advancing national reunification.

Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang, said, "Taiwan is our home, Xinjiang is also our home. And the entire land of China is our shared homeland."

She emphasized that the ties between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are inseparable.

"In the face of provocative attempts by external forces, we should stand united, firmly oppose 'Taiwan independence' and safeguard the common heritage handed down by our ancestors," Hung added.

Wu Rong-yuan, chairman of Taiwan's Labor Party, said the early realization of complete national reunification is not only an inevitable requirement for healing the wounds of history, but also a just and legitimate path for the Chinese nation.

"The historic process toward complete reunification across the Taiwan Strait is entering its final and most momentous chapter," Wu said.