In a significant New Year’s address, Zhang Zhijun, President of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), has issued a compelling call for collective action toward national reunification and the revitalization of the Chinese nation. The message, published in the inaugural 2026 edition of the journal “Relations Across Taiwan Straits,” extends heartfelt greetings to Taiwanese compatriots while reflecting on the progress made in cross-Strait relations throughout 2025.
Zhang characterized the previous year as one of continued momentum building toward the ultimate goal of motherland reunification. The ARATS president highlighted the organization’s multifaceted efforts in countering separatist activities, fostering bilateral exchanges and cooperation, managing Taiwan-related emergencies, and protecting the rights and interests of compatriots on both sides of the Strait.
Emphasizing the fundamental principle that both sides belong to one China and share the same national identity, Zhang articulated how the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation would create substantial benefits for Taiwan compatriots and unlock brighter development prospects for the island.
Looking forward to 2026, Zhang connected cross-Strait relations to China’s broader national agenda, noting that the mainland is embarking on its 15th Five-Year Plan journey. The comprehensive advancement of Chinese modernization and the building of a great country, he suggested, will achieve significant new accomplishments that will substantially strengthen the foundation for cross-Strait relations and provide solid guarantees for eventual national reunification.