Chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Lin Join-sane says that relations between Taiwan and Mainland China are at their best in 60 years.
Lin was speaking at a cross-strait forum on Friday. Lin said that since 2008, the two sides have signed a total of 21 agreements. He said that in terms of trade, investment, finance, and tourism, the two sides are enjoying close relations. Lin said that cross-strait marriages are also becoming more common.
Lin said that both Mainland China and Taiwan have certain advantages, and the two sides could combine these advantages in ways that benefit both sides. Lin said that China, the world’s second largest economy, is a trading powerhouse with massive foreign reserves. Meanwhile, he said Taiwan is at the forefront in terms of global competitiveness.
He said both sides should work together to create global brands, set industry standards, manage global distribution networks, and lead global development.
Both Mainland China and Taiwan have recent suffered natural disasters and major man-made accidents. Lin said the mutual sympathy shown by both sides- including large private Chinese donations in the wake of the Kaohsiung gas explosions- show that both sides care about one another.