Institutional alignment

Chang is part of a growing trend of medical professionals seeking opportunities on the Chinese mainland. At the Taiwan-funded Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital's TCM Department, 11 out of 14 physicians are from Taiwan, accounting for 80 percent of the staff.

Kuo Tzu-chia, the department's executive director who is also from Taiwan, said many Taiwan physicians choose Xiamen because of cultural affinity and professional opportunities. "Traditional Chinese medicine on both sides of the Strait comes from the same roots," Kuo said.

She noted an increasing number of patients are now traveling from the main island of Taiwan, as well as Jinmen and Matsu, to seek medical treatments in Xiamen.

This trend has been driven by the fact that healthcare services in Xiamen have become increasingly accessible for Taiwan compatriots. "Fujian has benefited from pilot programs that make it more convenient for us to practice medicine on the mainland," Kuo added.

"Looking to the future, we hope both sides can better address healthcare needs and enable mutual recognition of medical insurance reimbursement," she said. "This could ease the burden on fellow patients seeking treatment.

"We also look forward to aligning and mutually recognizing standards for TCM, including technical standards and quality control regulations," Kuo said. "This would allow medical reports to be recognized on both sides, realizing the goal of one test for both sides."

Economic synergy

The integration is also extending into the business sector. Wu Chiaying, vice-president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland, said he's seen his Fabulous Group in Xiamen diversify extensively.

"Our businesses span multiple industries, including IT, construction materials, food and catering," Wu said. "I was struck by how thoughtful the government policies are, far beyond what I had expected."

Wu said that fundraising was once the biggest challenge for Taiwan enterprises. However, from 2020, the Chinese government has encouraged high-quality Taiwan-funded enterprises to list on mainland stock markets.

"This was a major breakthrough. It allowed Taiwan-funded enterprises to raise funds in the capital market, allowing their businesses to grow bigger and stronger," Wu added.

According to the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, as of January last year, a total of 65 Taiwan-funded enterprises had been listed in the Chinese mainland.