A spokesman for China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday condemned certain Taiwanese politicians for their criticism of cultural and familial exchanges between the mainland and the Taiwan Region, accusing them of undermining shared traditions and fostering division for political purposes.
Former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Kuo Cheng-liang lately visited Fujian Province to honor his ancestors, an act he described as giving him "a sense of returning to one's roots."
Kuo's visit, however, was met with backlash from some within DPP.
"Honoring one's ancestors and cherishing one's homeland are fine traditions of the Chinese nation. They embody the remembrance of one's root and are cultural genes embedded in the blood of Chinese people. When compatriots in Taiwan return to their ancestral hometowns, they are always warmly welcomed by their kin on the mainland. This is the essence of Chinese culture and reflects the warmth of the Chinese people. It is disgraceful and shameful to see some individuals in Taiwan making disparaging remarks out of separatism attempts and forgetting their own roots," said spokesman Chen Binhua.
During the Shanghai-Taipei City Forum held earlier this month, Shanghai authorities distributed a "Taiwan Compatriots Service Manual" to attendees, which some in Taiwan labeled a "united front manual."
Chen dismissed the criticism, accusing the DPP of politicizing normal exchanges. He said that what the DPP truly oppose is not a small service manual but cross-strait exchanges as a whole. By labeling the mainland's goodwill gestures and exchange programs as "united front" tactics, they seek to stigmatize normal interactions and paint them as conspiratorial.
"The united front simply refer to our act of making friends and building solidarity. Taiwan compatriots are our relatives and family members. Communicating with them, strengthening ties, and making efforts to improve their well-being are justified, aboveboard, and unquestionably. The DPP's narrative of a 'united front conspiracy' only exposes their own dark mindset and malicious intentions," Chen said.
Central gov't spokesman criticizes Taiwan politicians for attacking cross-strait exchanges
A contemporary Chinese art exhibition has been held at the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest, playing a vibrant role in fostering cultural ties between the East and the West. The exhibits, including brush paintings and sculptures on mountains, rivers, plants, blend traditional brushwork with Western influences, creating a serene, meditative atmosphere.
The artists' deep connection with the natural world is a window that the "Chinese Xieyi exhibition'' at the Hungarian National Museum presents to the public to explore Chinese philosophy, according to Tunde FegyvAri-Komori, curator of the Hungarian National Museum.
"This exhibition is a collection of 58 artworks, including four sculptures from 58 different artists, from the National Art Museum of China's collection. And they represent modern and contemporary artworks, partly reflecting back to the traditional Chinese painting and Chinese art, and partly reflecting to Western influences in art, which mostly started arriving in China after the 1970s and the 80s," said FegyvAri-Komori.
Much of the exhibition showcases traditional Chinese brushwork, where delicate strokes create intricate designs and meanings that express deep philosophical meanings, allowing viewers to experience the world from their perspective.
"The Chinese curators constructed the exhibition around these three topics and these three main aspects to approach Xieyi itself. The first one is called 'yi', which translates as meaning. This focuses on the essence of the topic. The second one is form, which in Chinese is 'xing,' and it's quite similar to meaning, but from a different approach. They are focusing on the form itself that they see, but they are not aiming at mirroring reality. The third one is called 'interest,' or in Chinese called 'qu.' And in this last part, I would say that it's a combination of the first two," said FegyvAri-Komori.
One standout piece is a sculpture that blends mythology and modern art, depicting Lao Tzu departing from the Qin Empire (221 BC to 207 BC), carrying the wisdom that shaped Taoist thought with him. The ox-head panther he rides symbolizes mysticism and the spiritual journey, adding another mythical dimension to the work.
"It expresses Xieyi very well, but at the same time, it also expresses a little bit of Western modern art, abstract art," said FegyvAri-Komori.
For many visitors, the exhibition is a chance to experience the dynamic evolution of Chinese art.
"My father had several books about Chinese art, about porcelains, ceramics, and paintings. It always struck me how different it is from our European tradition. There's a subtlety and sensitivity in it. The way they express emotions feels so unique and profound," said Daniel, a visitor.
The exhibition, part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and China, celebrates cultural exchange and shared appreciation for art and culture.
Contemporary Chinese art expo held in Hungary helps cultivate ties between east and west
