A cross-Strait youth exchange summer camp kicked off in the Chinese mainland on Friday, attracting over 1,800 Taiwan university students who will visit 30 provincial regions for exchanges and interactions to promote peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait.
Hosted by the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, the summer camp's main event takes place in Guangdong province from Friday to Sunday. The youth will visit universities, explore development opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, experience the mainland's technological innovations, and visit historical sites.
ACFTC President Zheng Jianmin said that the participation of many young people from Taiwan has showcased a shared desire for increased exchanges and stronger bonds between compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
in an address given at the camp's opening on Friday night in Zhuhai, Guangdong, Zheng called on the youth from both sides to cherish peace, unite in opposition to "Taiwan independence" separation and external interference, and together safeguard the common homeland of the Chinese nation.
Taiwan youth Shih Ting-hsuan shared her previous experiences in cross-Strait exchange activities and expressed anticipation for making new friends and gaining a deeper understanding of the rich Chinese culture.
Tsai Chih-kuan, director of the Straits Economic and Cultural Interchange Association in Taiwan, said that the summer camp allows young people to gain insights beyond textbooks through on-site visits. He emphasized that no one can obstruct the natural exchanges of affection and friendship between the people on both sides of the Strait.
According to the ACFTC, since the summer camp's inception in 2004, nearly 30,000 young people from Taiwan have participated in its activities.
