Authorities on the Chinese mainland put forward a package of 10 policies and measures to boost exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, at the conclusion of the visit by Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang party. The measures aim to advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and enhance the kinship and well-being of compatriots across the Strait, underscoring the mainland’s consistent commitment to promoting exchanges, cooperation and shared prosperity.

At a time when the Strait faces heightened tensions and the global economy is beset by uncertainty, these measures carry added significance. They send a signal that despite external headwinds and attempts by the secessionist-minded Democratic Progressive Party authorities on the Chinese island to obstruct engagement, the mainland remains steadfast in expanding openness and deepening cross-Strait collaboration.

The policies and measures serve as a counterbalance to the DPP authorities’ erroneous and irresponsible moves aimed at severing economic and trade ties across the Strait.

The measures are notable for their breadth and practical orientation. From exploring the establishment of a regular communication mechanism between the Communist Party of China and the KMT to expanding youth exchanges, and from facilitating trade in agricultural and fishery products to promoting cultural cooperation in film and television, the package addresses key areas of concern for people and businesses on both sides of the Strait.

It also includes forward-looking initiatives such as improving infrastructure connectivity between Fujian province and Kinmen and Matsu islands, and resuming direct passenger flights and tourism exchanges.

Such targeted measures respond directly to long-standing calls from both sides of the Strait for greater connectivity and cooperation. Demonstrating a pragmatic approach rooted in mutual benefit, their alignment with market demand reflects careful planning. By lowering barriers and creating new platforms for engagement, the policies are poised to inject fresh momentum into cross-Strait economic and social exchanges.

Recent data and developments further underscore the resilience and complementarity of cross-Strait economic ties. Total trade between the two sides reached over $52.5 billion in the first two months of the year, maintaining steady growth. The DPP authorities’ attempts to sever supply chains run counter to both economic logic and the interests of the Taiwan compatriots.

As Cheng witnessed during her trip, the mainland’s role as a dynamic hub for innovation and manufacturing also provides a solid foundation for deeper cooperation. The mainland’s comprehensive industrial system and vast market offer plenty of opportunities. And the expanding innovation ecosystem of the mainland creates fertile ground for Taiwan enterprises and entrepreneurs seeking growth and collaboration.

People-to-people exchanges continue to demonstrate strong vitality. During the recent Qingming Festival, or Tomb Sweeping Day, holiday, passenger traffic of the ferry services between the coastal areas of Fujian and the islands of Kinmen and Matsu reached new highs.

Importantly, the newly announced measures emphasize inclusiveness and accessibility. By facilitating the entry of Taiwan agricultural products, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and encouraging youth participation, they aim to ensure that the benefits of pragmatic cross-Strait cooperation are widely shared.

Of course, translating policy intent into tangible outcomes will require sustained effort and detailed implementation. The emphasis on institutional mechanisms and regularized exchanges suggests a long-term commitment rather than a one-off initiative.

Cross-Strait relations are, at their core, about the well-being and aspirations of people on both sides. The latest policy package reflects a deep understanding of this reality. Should the DPP authorities seek to stigmatize or obstruct the initiative, they will be doing a disservice to compatriots on both sides of the Strait and expose the reality further that they are the party undermining the island’s stability and prosperity.