Mainland pledges deeper cross-Strait integration in 2026 message

A Chinese mainland's top Taiwan affairs official said efforts will be made in 2026 to expand exchanges and promote integrated development between the mainland and Taiwan, according to a New Year message addressed to Taiwan compatriots.

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, said in the message published on Friday that the mainland will promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advance national reunification based on the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus.

Extending New Year greetings to people in Taiwan, Song said the mainland will continue to create a more favorable environment for Taiwan enterprises and compatriots to study, work and live on the mainland.

In the message, Song reviewed progress in cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation in 2025, describing the year as one of overcoming difficulties while building momentum toward reunification.

He said the mainland introduced a series of policies in 2025 to facilitate visits by Taiwan compatriots and organized a wide range of cross-Strait exchange activities. As a result, the mainland recorded a significant increase in visits from Taiwan, including more young people and first-time visitors from the island, according to Song.

Song also said the mainland has been advancing the development of high-quality demonstration zones for cross-Strait integrated development and implementing policies that provide equal treatment for Taiwan compatriots and enterprises on the mainland, measures he said have improved their welfare and interests.

Looking ahead to 2026, Song said the mainland will resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference, support patriotic forces in Taiwan that uphold reunification, and safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

"We are willing to engage in dialogue and consultation with all political parties, groups and individuals with insight in Taiwan on cross-Strait relations and national reunification, based on the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus," Song wrote.

He also called on compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to oppose separatism, promote reunification and jointly contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.