The third cross-Straits cultural salon was held in Quanzhou, Fujian province on Dec 9, with more than 80 cultural experts and journalists in attendance.

Themed around "Belt and Road Initiative and Cross-Straits Cultural Development," the salon focused on the mutual development of cross-Straits culture and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Sun Yafu, vice-chairman of the Association for Relations across the Taiwan Straits, noted that the Chinese mainland and Taiwan people are families and the two sides should use the Belt and Road Initiative to boost mutual growth. He hoped for the two sides will enhance cooperation in economy and culture.

"Taiwan has suffered from an economic downturn in recent years. The initiative will bring Taiwan opportunities to expand the market and drive economic recovery," said Yang Yizhou, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.

Initiated in 2013, the annual event aims to strengthen cultural integration between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan and build cross-Straits cultural community.