Mainland welcomes more Taiwan artists to join TV programs, performances: spokesman

BEIJING – In a Wednesday press briefing held by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, spokesperson Chen Binhua issued an open invitation to artists from Taiwan, emphasizing that the Chinese mainland welcomes greater participation from Taiwanese creators in a wide range of cross-Strait cultural activities, from televised variety programs to large-scale public performances. The remarks came in response to a media question regarding the hit 2026 season of the popular variety show *Ride the Wind*, which has cast multiple performers from Taiwan in its current lineup.

Chen highlighted that the female-focused talent showcase has long prioritized cross-Strait cultural exchange, including Taiwanese artists in every season of the program. When Taiwanese and mainland creators share the same stage to collaborate on performances and original creative projects, Chen explained, the joint work sparks shared cultural memories that resonate deeply with audiences on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, earning enthusiastic support from viewers across the region.

Beyond its impact on the entertainment sector, the policy of open engagement for Taiwanese artists is rooted in the mainland’s long-standing commitment to strengthening people-to-people bonds and deepening cultural common ground between the two sides of the Strait. By creating more space for collaborative creative work, authorities aim to nurture greater mutual understanding and shared cultural identity that bridges the current political divide, underscoring the shared cultural heritage that unites communities across the Strait.