Fujian accelerates cross-Strait integration efforts

Fujian, the coastal province facing Taiwan, is set to accelerate its development of a demonstration zone for integrated cross-Strait development, aimed at bolstering national reunification efforts, Governor Zhao Long announced Tuesday.

In his government work report at the fourth session of the 14th Fujian Provincial People's Congress, Zhao underscored the province's strategic role in national plans. Fujian aims to exemplify cross-Strait integration across social, economic, and emotional dimensions as 2026 marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).

Fujian plans to establish a "pioneer area for a cross-Strait common market," easing market access for Taiwan-funded enterprises and promoting innovative small-scale trade with Taiwan. Key industrial cooperation will focus on sectors such as electronic information, mechanical equipment, petrochemicals, and biomedicine, with a priority on developing Taiwan-related industrial parks.

To attract Taiwan compatriots, Fujian will enhance institutional arrangements for education, internships, and employment, expanding professional qualification recognition and launching over 30 joint rural construction projects.

Culturally, Fujian will promote the "Taiwan Compatriots Root-seeking Platform" and advance legislation on cross-Strait family genealogies. Grassroots exchanges will be encouraged through shared cultural activities like baseball, softball, and dragon boat racing.

A significant agenda item is the comprehensive integration of regional layouts with Taiwan, including deepening "living circles" between Xiamen-Jinmen and Fuzhou-Matsu. Infrastructure projects to provide water, electricity, gas, and bridges to Jinmen and Matsu will be expedited, with Xiamen set to complete its section of the Xiamen-Jinmen Bridge this year.

In 2025, Fujian established 2,612 new Taiwan-funded enterprises, with actual utilized Taiwan capital reaching $724 million, according to official statistics.

The TV drama The Silent Glory, filmed in Fujian, has resonated across the Strait, highlighting the province's unique landscape and historical ties with Taiwan, Zhao noted.