A meeting between Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, last month, ignited optimism for improved relations across the Taiwan Strait, as political and community leaders call for peaceful reunification, citing cultural exchange and economic ties as key drivers.

"Xi's warm reception of Ma and his delegation in Beijing is truly commendable. It is a gesture of utmost goodwill toward Taiwan," said Wu Cherng-dean, chairman of Taiwan's New Party, during a recent visit to San Francisco Bay Area.

Expressing confidence over the future of cross-Strait relations, he said that "Xi's demeanor, wisdom, charisma, and elegance make it clear that as long as we adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, we can transform the cross-Strait relations".

Wu was referring to a meeting on April 10 in Beijing at which Xi met a Taiwan delegation led by Ma.

The delegation, which included young people, visited historic sites, and interacted with youth in the mainland. The visit is seen as a "breakthrough" for the strained cross-Strait relations by Fred Zou, deputy secretary-general of the Alliance for China's Peaceful Reunification, USA.

He emphasized the trip's focus on cultural exchanges between young people, aiming to enhance understanding of each other.

Zou cited the example of Zhong Mingxuan, a social media influencer in Taiwan who initially supported Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, but changed his stance after visiting the mainland early this year.

Firsthand experience

"Due to the lack of communication between the two sides, many young people in Taiwan, without firsthand experience of the mainland, are likely to be completely deceived and blinded by the DPP," Zou told China Daily.

Zhong's example illustrated the problem that many young people in Taiwan are misinformed about the mainland, but it also demonstrated the benefit of exchanges, he added.

Wu further emphasized the economic benefits of peaceful cross-Strait relations for Taiwan people. He noted that the Chinese mainland is the world's largest manufacturing base and Taiwan's biggest trading partner.

"This is the fundamental reason why cross-Strait relations must maintain peace and stability, and why the two sides should actively seek integration to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results," he said.

"The two sides of the Strait are one family and should draw upon the wisdom of the Chinese nation and strive for mutual understanding," said Wu, accusing the DPP of putting its own interests ahead of the well-being of the Taiwan people.

He expressed concerns over the role of the US military-industrial complex in fueling tensions across the Strait.

"Those politicians in Taiwan, for their own personal gain, are willing to sacrifice the livelihood and wellbeing of the Taiwan people, allowing arms dealers and war brokers to constantly add fuel to the fire," he said.

"We should strive for fully resuming cross-Strait tourism and cultural exchange, allowing people-to-people bonds to drive political dialogue," he said.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a conference in Beijing late last month that despite some obstacles to cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation made by Taiwan authorities, with the joint efforts of people on both sides, cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation will have a bright future.