Postgrad uses social media to construct 'bridge for dialogue'

At Peking University's School of International Studies, postgraduate student Yang Da-yu has become known not only for his research on cross-Strait relations but also for his growing influence as a social media commentator promoting dialogue and understanding between young people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Born in 2002 in Taiwan, Yang has long seen the two sides of the Strait as inseparable parts of his own story. His father, a Taiwan businessman, has worked in Zhejiang province for decades, while his mother is a native of the same province.

Yang started living on the mainland since before his preschool years, and spent most of his childhood there, returning to Taiwan during summer and winter vacations.

As Yang focuses his research on Taiwan-related affairs, he travels to the island several times a year.

"For me, this is both an academic and personal journey," he said. "Understanding Taiwan's society helps me better appreciate what connects us."

Yang's sense of purpose was shaped early by stories from his grandfather, a veteran of the Chinese Expeditionary Force who fought in the Battle of Songshan to defend the road connecting Southwest China's Yunnan province to Myanmar during World War II.

The stories of bravery and the spirit of fighting for the country's unity, he said, left a deep impression on him. "My grandfather taught me that national unity and peace are values worth dedicating one's life to," he said.

In August 2022, as tensions across the Strait escalated following the visit of then-United States house speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, Yang, then an undergraduate, decided to contribute his voice to public discussion. He started social media accounts on platforms like Douyin and YouTube to share factual information about the Chinese mainland and encourage calm and reasoned dialogue.

"Initially, due to the Democratic Progressive Party's rhetoric, many Taiwan-based netizens reacted with hostility on my accounts," he said. "But I kept engaging patiently."

Over time, his consistent tone and data-driven approach gained recognition. By 2024, a growing number of Taiwan netizens recognized the importance of peace, development and dialogue.

Many turned to Yang's accounts to gain insights into the mainland's perspectives, driven by dissatisfaction with the DPP's prioritization of political agendas over public welfare.

Yang said his accounts serve as a battleground for ideological debates, challenging "Taiwan-independence" narratives and advocating for reunification. He also addresses topics such as youth exchanges, economic cooperation and the benefits of mainland policies supporting Taiwan residents.

Yang said he has personally witnessed how policies on the mainland, such as the residence permit for Taiwan residents, have made life easier for cross-Strait students and professionals. "Practical policy benefits everyone," he said.

He believes firmly in the enduring cultural and historical connections between the two sides of the Strait. "We write in Chinese characters, speak putonghua, and celebrate the same traditional Chinese festivals," he said, emphasizing the unbreakable bonds that unite the people on both sides of the Strait.

Looking ahead, Yang said he hopes to use his academic research and communication skills to contribute further to cross-Strait understanding. "Dialogue builds trust, and I want to be a bridge for dialogue," he said. "I believe that through patience and sincerity, more and more people from Taiwan will realize that the futures of both sides of the Strait are linked."

yangzekun@chinadaily.com.cn