During a recent interview on October 15, former Kuomintang Chairman Hung Hsiu-chu expressed a warm invitation to Taiwanese friends, saying, “The mainland is vast, and in many places, if our Taiwanese friends make an effort to explore, they will be pleasantly surprised. It all depends on whether you choose to come.”
Hung was in Xi’an for the opening of the Fifth Cross-Strait Economic and Technological Cooperation Conference, where she also visited several locations in Shaanxi, including Yan’an and Baoji.
She highlighted the significance of cross-strait exchanges, noting that Shaanxi is an essential birthplace of Chinese civilization with rich cultural heritage. Moreover, she acknowledged the region’s advancements in technology and talent cultivation, which she believes would greatly benefit young people from Taiwan.
In recent years, cooperation between Shaanxi and Taiwan has increased significantly across various fields—including trade, culture, education, and technology. More Taiwanese businesses are establishing themselves in the region, invigorating both the local economy and the emotional ties between the two areas. Statistics show that by the end of June 2024, there were 1,062 Taiwanese-funded enterprises in Shaanxi, and trade between Shaanxi and Taiwan consistently ranks among the top three in the province’s foreign trade.
During the conference, Hung emphasized the need to activate the cultural resources of the ancient capital. She stressed the importance of promoting collaboration, particularly in key areas such as culture, education, and tourism, to enhance exchanges between international and cross-strait educational and research institutions. She especially encouraged the younger generation in Taiwan to visit Shaanxi, a place steeped in Chinese culture and innovation.
Hung also pointed out that as many industries on the mainland undergo transformation and upgrades, it is vital for Taiwanese businesspeople to familiarize themselves with various policies, including environmental protection, to achieve better results through joint efforts.
Reflecting on her visit to the Baoji Bronze Museum, Hung remarked, “For over 5,000 years, regardless of changing dynasties, we have been known as China. If we can arrange for young people in Taiwan to visit here, I believe they will walk away with a profound experience.”
Notably, during her visit to Nangou Village in Yan’an, Hung took an interest in how the local community is leveraging apple cultivation for rural revitalization.
She praised the mainland’s poverty alleviation efforts, stating, “I’ve seen how well Nangou Village has developed its apple industry, which has improved the local economy and increased residents’ incomes. I was very moved by this, so I adopted an apple tree in the village.”
