Restrictions fail

Wang Hailiang, director of the Shanghai Institute for East Asian Studies, said the DPP has adopted obstructive measures to restrict Taiwan residents' participation in the forum out of fear of closer cross-Strait exchanges.

Nevertheless, more than 7,000 individuals from Taiwan traveled to attend this year's forum in Fujian, and Ma personally led the student delegation, Wang said.

"It is evident that no one is intimidated by the threats of the DPP. In fact, it is the DPP themselves who fear cross-Strait exchanges," he said.

Wang added that many in Taiwan have strong sentiments and expectations for the forum, and their support helped ensure its success.

Lee Tung-hsien, executive chairman of the China Reunification Alumni Association, has participated in the forum for the past decade. He has introduced many young people from Taiwan to the mainland, with many later choosing to study or work there.

"Many have found their direction and opportunities here," said Lee, who is also a Taekwondo athlete from Taiwan's Tainan who established a Taekwondo center in Nantong, Jiangsu province, in recent years.

In January, Lee's household registration in Taiwan was canceled by the DPP authorities after he acquired a mainland resident ID card and displayed the five-star red flag at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Masters Games, where he won a bronze medal. His act was praised by netizens.

The DPP has been intensifying efforts to crack down on cross-Strait exchanges. In April, Chang Li-chi, a Taiwan teacher at Huaqiao University in Fujian, also had his Taiwan identity revoked after obtaining a resident permit on the mainland.

Lee said such actions are generating growing discontent among the public in Taiwan. "The DPP is unfairly targeting young people engaged in cross-Strait exchanges and using political tactics to smear ordinary people," he said.

Citing recent polls in Taiwan showing that only 7 percent of respondents oppose cross-Strait exchanges, Lee urged the DPP to respect public opinion and refrain from actions that hurt people's interests.

Contact the writers at zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn