Scholars and experts on the Taiwan question gathered in Beijing on Sunday to discuss political shifts in the region and the future of cross-Strait relations, condemning local Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te for seceding Taiwan from China.
Lai's speech on Oct 10, marked by resistance to the Chinese mainland and rejection of reunification, has sparked outcry on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Various sectors across the Strait have deplored Lai for repackaging his separatist rhetoric under the new "two states" illusion.
In his speech, Lai put up a fresh version of "two states" fallacy, asserting that the two sides of the Strait do not belong to each other.
"The core of Lai's illusion remains focused on splitting China. As we all know, in his speech on May 20, his separatist remarks and attitude were very arrogant. The nature of his remarks on Oct 10 repeated the 'two states' fallacy," said Li Zhenguang, head of the Institute of Taiwan Studies under the Beijing Union University.
Since he took office in May, Lai has consistently portrayed himself as a "pragmatic Taiwan secession worker," while scholars attending the seminar described him as a "pragmatic war instigator."
Regarding the future of cross-Strait relations, scholars said it is complicated but improving.
"In my opinion, cross-Strait relations are complicated but improving. The complexity lies in Lai's primary goal of securing re-election in 2028," said Yang Jinghua, associated research fellow with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
She said that the Chinese central government has already taken steps to contain Taiwan secessionist activities, so as to bring the ties to a better direction.
Other experts suggested that a broader framework is required when analyzing the Taiwan question.
"Cross-Strait ties cannot be analyzed solely from the perspective of two sides of the Taiwan Strait, but the issue should also be viewed within the broader framework of strategic competition between China and the United States, because the analysis of cross-Strait ties cannot be done without analyzing the cross-Pacific ties," said Wang Yingjin, director of the Cross-Strait Relations Research Center under the Renmin University of China.
They also said that Lai's secessionist attempts can never shake the foundation of cross-Strait relations.
Experts denounce Lai Ching-te as "war instigator"
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
