Taiwan youths discuss paths to peaceful reunification

TAIPEI -- Young scholars and representatives of various sectors in Taiwan discussed possible approaches to the peaceful reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait at a forum hosted by the Sanhe practice institute, a local think tank, on Saturday.

A major question was raised at the forum: In a critical stage of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, where should Taiwan go?

In response, young participant Mao Zhi-yuan said that reunification is underway, calling it a "historical inevitability."

"What the people of Taiwan should do is help advance negotiations and propose a solution to peaceful reunification that best serves Taiwan's interests," he said.

Tan Chuan-shao, a member of the New Party in Taiwan, outlined a three-step approach to peaceful reunification: People in Taiwan should acknowledge the reality that cross-Strait relations should not be shelved, foster open debate to broaden public understanding, and put forward Taiwan's own proposals on how to realize peaceful reunification.

"Today's people in Taiwan should take the initiative to seek peaceful reunification, instead of leaving future generations to bear the burden," he said.

Lin Wun-hau, a young resident of Taiwan who has lived in both Xiamen and Jinmen, said that Jinmen's transformation from a front line of conflict to a hub of exchange offers valuable lessons for cross-Strait relations.

"Jinmen's experience shows that integrating with the mainland does not mean losing one's identity but finding a wiser path to coexistence," Lin said.

"Reunification is not an end point but a beginning," young participant Su Heng said. "Reunification will not make Taiwan disappear — it will only make Taiwan stronger."