Breaking barriers
In November, the mainland organized a series of commemorative activities for Sun's 160th birth anniversary, including an archival exhibition on Sun and Taiwan, and a joint calligraphy event in Beijing.
The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference will hold a high-profile commemorative meeting on Thursday, bringing together representatives to honor Sun's legacy and advance national reunification.
A youth exchange will be held in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, from Nov 12 to 16, where cross-Strait scholars and young media professionals will participate to document their journey in Sun's footsteps.
Lai Zhongxiong, chairman of the Fujian Society for Sun Yat-sen Research and a professor at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, said that commemorations of Sun hold profound practical significance for advancing national reunification.
"Sun remains a historical giant profoundly venerated by compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait," Lai said. "His lifelong pursuit of national independence, prosperity, and rejuvenation forms the bedrock of our shared memory."
Despite deliberate attempts by certain political factions on the island to sever cultural ties through a "de-Sinicization" agenda, Lai said that honoring Sun serves as a powerful reminder of their inalienable historical roots, cultural bonds and shared national sentiments.
"Sun's uncompromising quest for national unity offers insights for today's cross-Strait ties," Lai said, noting that as families sharing ancestral roots, compatriots must step up exchanges to expand common interests.
The essence of national reunification is not about manufacturing new divisions, but rather about erasing legacy estrangements and ensuring compatriots on both sides jointly share future development dividends, he said.
Reflecting on China's historic strides, Lai said that Sun's vision of reviving China is turning into a reality, urging both sides to seize the historic opportunity to pursue a peaceful future of reunification.
Contact the writers at zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn
