Roots and religion: a Fujian city’s mission to forge cultural bonds with Taiwan
Fujian province is leveraging shared religious and ancestral ties with Taiwan to foster cross-strait cultural connections, according to Zhangzhou's Communist Party Secretary Wang Jinzu. Wang emphasized that over 83% of Taiwanese people have ancestry in Fujian, creating a "unique linkage" and a "natural factor for integrated development" between the regions.
Wang's comments, made at a National People's Congress panel discussion, echo Beijing's broader efforts to promote cultural connections, despite rejection from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Zhangzhou has implemented cultural initiatives to bridge "emotional gaps," capitalizing on shared language, music, customs, and cuisine. These efforts come amid heightened cross-strait tensions, particularly since the inauguration of Taiwan's leader William Lai Ching-te.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Fujian province is leveraging shared religious and ancestral ties with Taiwan to foster cross-strait cultural connections, according to Zhangzhou's Communist Party Secretary Wang Jinzu. Wang emphasized that over 83% of Taiwanese people have ancestry in Fujian, creating a "unique linkage" and a "natural factor for integrated development" between the regions.
Wang's comments, made at a National People's Congress panel discussion, echo Beijing's broader efforts to promote cultural connections, despite rejection from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Zhangzhou has implemented cultural initiatives to bridge "emotional gaps," capitalizing on shared language, music, customs, and cuisine. These efforts come amid heightened cross-strait tensions, particularly since the inauguration of Taiwan's leader William Lai Ching-te.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
