40 years in review: Cross-Straits cultural achievements

Relevant policies

The 31 preferential policies released in February cover the fields of legal rights, education, culture and tourism, and are aimed at improving the lives of all Taiwan compatriots.

Some scholars pointed out that if such a comprehensive policy can be fully implemented, it will help consolidate the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

At the regular press conference held by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on December 26, a reporter asked what has been achieved since the promulgation and implementation of the "31 preferential policies benefiting Taiwan compatriots" nearly a year ago.

Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that 60 local governments in 22 provincial-level regions on the Chinese mainland had taken tailored measures to implement preferential policies for Taiwan compatriots so far.

Also, these measures have yielded positive outcomes in expanding cross-Straits economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, delivering tangible benefits to Taiwan compatriots who develop careers on the mainland, said Ma at a press conference.

A growing number of young people from Taiwan pursued studies, internships, and jobs on the Chinese mainland in 2018. In addition, five new cross-Straits exchange bases were approved to increase communication between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, including the Beijing-based Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Ma added.

Ma indicated that in the future, the mainland would continue to address issues of common concern to Taiwan compatriots and enterprises, introduce new measures in a timely manner to provide greater convenience and create better conditions for the development of Taiwan compatriots and enterprises on the Chinese mainland.