A cross-Strait media summit was held in Beijing on Thursday, drawing over 110 media chiefs, scholars and representatives from the mainland and the Taiwan region to explore the integrated development of cross-Strait media amid new changes.
The summit, in its fifth edition, featured a main forum and several sub-forums, in which participants engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as strengthening cross-Strait media cooperation and exchanges, and how mainstream media can uphold core values in the era of artificial intelligence.
Addressing the main forum, Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, pledged to continue promoting cultural exchange and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait, including media exchanges, by enhancing policy support and strengthening institutional safeguards.
Chou Hsi-wei, vice chairman of Want Want China, a Taiwan-based enterprise, said that the two sides of the Strait belong to the same family, calling on media professionals from across the Strait to objectively report the facts about the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
On Thursday afternoon, Song met with representatives of Taiwan media outlets attending the summit. He expressed the hope that media outlets on both sides of the Strait will actively participate in and promote cross-Strait cultural exchanges, adhere to objective reporting and fair comment, promote integrated development, and contribute to the reunification of the motherland. The representatives from Taiwan, including Tsai Eng-meng, chairman of the Want Want China Times Media Group, agreed that cross-Strait media outlets serve as a bridge for communication and friendship between the compatriots on both sides of the Strait.
They said that during the downturn of cross-Strait relations, it is essential to expand exchanges and cooperation, and enhance the emotional bond and mutual trust between the people on both sides of the Strait, to gradually steer the future development of cross-Strait relations onto the right track.
"In Taiwan region, our aim is to report truthfully, informing our compatriots in Taiwan about the current situation on the mainland, which can help dispel many unnecessary misunderstandings and misconceptions. Through enhanced communication and understanding, the media can effectively play this role," said Huang Shu-te, president of China Times.
Chou Hsi-wei called on the media on both sides of the Strait to share cross-strait development for mutual understanding and benefit.
"Media professionals on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should take responsibility for sharing information about cross-strait development, particularly the progress that the mainland has made in recent years in science and technology, manufacturing, trade, and defense, so that people on both sides can share in this progress," said Chou.
Cross-Strait media representatives explore integrated development in Beijing
As the Chinese New Year approaches, the annual festive shopping season has been in full swing across the country, with decorative items ranging from zodiac-inspired red envelopes to traditional handicrafts enjoying a surge in popularity.
At the bustling International Trade City in Yiwu, located in east China's Zhejiang Province, and known as the world's capital for small commodities, merchants from different parts of the country flock here to secure their festive supplies. Among the most sought-after items are the iconic red envelopes, an essential part of traditions the Spring Festival in the start of the Chinese New Year, which symbolizes good fortune and blessings.
In China, a red envelope is used to wrap up a sum of money for gift giving during holidays, particularly the Spring Festival, or for special occasions such as weddings, graduations, and birthdays. It originated in China before spreading across parts of Southeast Asia and other countries with sizable ethnic Chinese populations.
Inside one large store covering more than a hundred square meters, over a hundred varieties of red envelopes are on display, many featuring designs inspired by the zodiac animal of the year -- the snake.
There are 12 animals on the zodiac cycle of the Chinese lunar calendar, in the following order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal has its own unique characteristics.
"This year, we've designed over a hundred different representations of the zodiac snake, such as cartoon snakes and the 'God of Wealth' snake. There is also the lion-dance-inspired snake made of silk that can be worn as a bag. It's very popular with children," said Xu Yunli, the business owner.
Apart from traditional goods, shoppers preparing for the holiday also set their sights on imported festive products. At the Yiwu China Import Commodities City, another wholesale market complex, nearly 150,000 varieties of goods from over 100 other countries and regions are for sale. To further allure buyers, the market has launched a "Global New Year Shopping Festival," offering vouchers that allow customers to purchase overseas products at discounts of up to 50 percent.
The festive vibe isn't limited to big cities. In Lushan County, Pingdingshan City, central China's Henan Province, "cloth tiger," a traditional folk handicraft, has become a hit, highlighting a growing interest in China's rich cultural heritage.
At a local workshop, artisans are busy handcrafting these charming toy tigers.
"We start at 8:30 in the morning, but we can only make six or seven tigers a day. Since everything is handmade, the process is complex. But we ensure that every tiger is well crafted," said craftsman Ma Gaile.
The production of these cloth tigers is a time-honored technique, part of Pingdingshan's intangible cultural heritage. The process involves a series of steps including fabric selection, cutting, stitching, stuffing, and embellishment, all done by hand. The finished product is not only adorable but also carries with it the artisans' wishes for a prosperous year ahead.
The Spring Festival is China's grandest traditional festival when people across the country return to their hometowns for celebrations and family reunion. The upcoming Spring Festival holiday season falls in late January and early February.
Zodiac snake-inspired commodities, cultural crafts gain popularity in run-up to Spring Festival
