A young performer of Yingge dance, a traditional Chinese folk dance, shares the stage with humanoid robots during the 18th Straits Forum in Xiamen. ZHANG BIN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

The critical importance of cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation was underscored at the 18th Straits Forum in Xiamen, Fujian province, as participants from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered over the weekend.

The annual forum, which started in 2009, serves as a platform to promote mutual understanding and integration between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, emphasizing the shared cultural and economic interests binding both sides.

Addressing the main conference on June 13, Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top political advisory body, called for joint efforts to advance peaceful cross-Strait relations and national reunification.

He emphasized that the Chinese mainland stands ready to share development opportunities with Taiwan compatriots, noting that the country's blueprint for the ongoing 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period will open up broader space for cross-Strait integration.

At a meeting on June 13 on advancing the development of the demonstration zone for integrated development across the Taiwan Strait, Wang urged greater progress in advancing such integration during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

He called for supporting Fujian in exploring new mechanisms, pathways, and models for cross-Strait integrated development. He also urged closer people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Under the theme of expanding people-to-people exchanges, this year's Straits Forum featured 58 diverse events covering grassroots, youth, and cultural and economic exchange sectors.

During the forum, enterprises from the Chinese mainland signed agreements with various businesses and trade associations from Taiwan, buying signature agricultural goods including atemoyas and pomelos, as well as tea and fishery products from counties such as Taitung, Yunlin, and Nantou.

The contracts serve as a major step forward in implementing the 10 follow-up exchange policies introduced following the landmark cross-Strait meeting between leaders of the CPC and KMT in April, focusing on the practical livelihood needs of grassroots families and small business operators.

Yao Ching-ling, magistrate of Taitung county, said via a live video link that the purchase agreements were an immense encouragement to local farmers. "Agricultural and fishery products carry the core livelihoods of countless Taiwan families," she said.

A range of prominent figures and grassroots representatives also stepped onto the stage during the conference to share their stories of cross-Strait integration.

Lai Tsai-ta, co-founder and CEO of artificial intelligence pharmaceutical startup Metis TechBio, shared his journey on the mainland since 2019. Backed by over 10 million yuan ($1.48 million) in subsidies and startup services in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, his company grew into a recognized unicorn before listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in May.

"The Chinese mainland offers sincere hospitality, strong policy backup, and a welcoming environment," Lai said, encouraging Taiwan youth to combine their professional skills with local industrial advantages to find their own perfect stage.