Cross-Strait youth exchanges in technology, culture and education have intensified, according to deputies and members from Taiwan attending China's annual "two sessions."

Deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) emphasized new opportunities for young people from Taiwan on the mainland, noting these as ways to broaden perspectives and strengthen cross-Strait ties.

Yang Yizhou, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and vice president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, speaks to reporters before the opening of the CPPCC session in the front of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 4, 2025. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

The mainland's thriving high-tech industries have become a major attraction for young people from Taiwan. Yang Yizhou, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and vice president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots (ACFTC), noted the growing popularity of AI tools such as DeepSeek.

"People on both sides of the Strait are using it because of its efficiency," he said. "High-tech innovations like this make life more convenient."

Yang also added that many young people from Taiwan are particularly attracted to the mainland's rapid advances in technology. "Companies such as DJI, Huawei, BYD, Douyin (TikTok) and Meituan are gaining significant recognition," he said. "Through them, young people from Taiwan can see the strength of innovation on the mainland and realize the wealth of opportunities available here."

Zou Zhenqiu, deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and vice president of the ACFTC, stressed the role of digital platforms in strengthening cross-Strait ties.

"New media allows young people from both sides to co-create diverse, high-quality content and foster a more dynamic digital environment," he said, adding that such interactions help build mutual understanding and promote collective progress.

Lin Qing, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and vice president of the Taiwan Compatriots Federation of Shandong province, takes an interview during this year's "two sessions" in Beijing, March 4, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The mainland is offering more educational and professional opportunities for youth from Taiwan. Lin Qing, NPC deputy and vice president of the Taiwan Compatriots Federation of Shandong province, said over 30,000 students from Taiwan are studying on the mainland, with more than 1,000 cooperation agreements between universities across the Strait.

Recognition of professional qualifications from Taiwan is expanding on the mainland. Fujian province recently added 10 new professional qualifications, bringing the total to 60. These include home appliance maintenance and electronic equipment assembly, easing entry for professionals from Taiwan into the mainland labor market.

Lin Qing also noted the Cross-Strait Integrated Development Demonstration Zone in Fujian, which has introduced policies to support young entrepreneurs and professionals from Taiwan.

"The mainland offers a vast market and abundant human resources, while Taiwan brings advanced technology and management experience," she said. "By integrating our strengths, we can deepen the complementarity of the industrial chains of the two sides."

She encouraged young people from Taiwan to seize opportunities presented by Chinese modernization.

"With the right combination of macroeconomic policies and their personal strengths, they can forge a path to success in both their careers and businesses here," she said.

Cultural exchanges have also brought young people closer. The animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" has sparked enthusiasm among audiences in Taiwan, with some traveling to the mainland to watch it. Yang emphasized how technological advances have revitalized traditional Chinese culture.

"The ability to present our cultural heritage in innovative ways and gain international attention makes us all proud as Chinese," he said.

Yang said that fostering deeper connections between young people across the Strait is crucial to eliminating misunderstanding and strengthening emotional ties. The ACFTC has long facilitated such exchanges, organizing summer and winter camps for youth from Taiwan to experience the mainland's progress firsthand.

The future of cross-Strait relations lies in the hands of young people, Yang said. "By witnessing the mainland's progress and understanding global trends, young people in Taiwan can make informed choices about their future. A united effort on both sides will pave the way for greater development, especially for Taiwan."