HANGZHOU – More than 1,000 Taiwanese youth converged in Zhejiang province this week for the commencement of the 32nd Taiwan Compatriot Youth Winter Camp, marking a significant milestone in cross-Strait cultural diplomacy. The event, orchestrated by the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, unfolded at Zhejiang University’s Zijingang campus with an elaborate opening ceremony and cross-Strait youth gala.
Ji Bin, leading official of the federation, characterized the organization as a ‘home for Taiwan compatriots’ during his keynote address. He emphasized the profound familial connections binding communities across the Strait, asserting that sustained youth exchanges substantially enhance mutual comprehension and emotional bonds. Ji encouraged attendees to immerse themselves in mainland China’s developmental landscape while forging enduring friendships that could inject youthful vitality into peaceful cross-Strait relations.
Zhejiang University’s Deputy Party Secretary Fu Qiang outlined the institution’s longstanding commitment to educational collaboration with Taiwan, noting established partnerships with multiple Taiwanese universities and research institutes. The university has facilitated frequent faculty-student exchanges and expanding academic cooperation, with pledges to develop more diversified and sustainable platforms for cross-Strait engagement.
Student representatives from both sides echoed these sentiments. A Taiwanese participant surnamed Yang highlighted shared linguistic heritage and cultural roots, while Zhejiang University volunteer Tang Kun emphasized common historical memories cultivated within the same cultural soil.
The program features immersive experiences including campus tours, artificial intelligence lectures, and visits to innovation bases showcasing robotics and intelligent equipment. Participants will further explore Hangzhou’s Liangzhu Museum and Archaeological Ruins to examine Chinese civilization origins, alongside technological showcases at Hangzhou Future Sci-Tech City and Alibaba’s headquarters.
Established in 1989, the winter camp has attracted over 9,000 Taiwanese youth throughout its history. This year’s edition expands across 24 mainland provincial regions, reinforcing its role as a crucial mechanism for fostering interpersonal connections and mutual learning among younger generations across the Strait.