The 18th Cross-Strait Forum will be held in Fujian in mid-June.

The Straits Forum is an annual cross-strait exchange event held in Fujian Province, China, aimed at enhancing cultural, economic, and social ties between Mainland China and Taiwan. First launched in 2009, it serves as a platform for grassroots dialogue and cooperation, featuring activities such as discussions on trade, youth exchanges, and folk culture. The forum reflects ongoing efforts to promote peaceful relations and mutual understanding between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Fujian is a coastal province in southeastern China known for its dramatic landscapes, including the Wuyi Mountains and Tulou—unique, large earthen roundhouses built by the Hakka people. Historically, it was a major maritime hub during the Song and Ming dynasties, playing a key role in the Maritime Silk Road and fostering overseas trade and emigration. Today, Fujian retains a rich cultural heritage, with influences from both its indigenous Min-speaking peoples and its long history of global connections.

Xiamen, a coastal city in southeastern China, has a rich history as a major port and trade hub, particularly during the 19th century when it was opened to foreign commerce following the Treaty of Nanking. It is famous for its scenic Gulangyu Island, a car-free area with colonial-era architecture and vibrant cultural influences. Today, Xiamen is a thriving economic center known for its tourism, universities, and role in China’s Special Economic Zone reforms.

The Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone is a special economic and tourism development area located on Pingtan Island in Fujian Province, China. Established in 2009, it was designed to promote cross-strait economic cooperation with Taiwan and to boost local tourism through infrastructure and policy incentives. The zone encompasses historic sites like the “Fairyland of the Sea” and ancient stone dwellings, blending modern development with the island’s rich maritime heritage.