TAIPEI (Central News Agency, reporter Li Ya-wen, May 14) — The youth delegation of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) is visiting mainland China for exchange purposes. Shen You-chung, Vice Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), expressed blessings today, while urging participants to uphold principles of equal dignity and convey Taiwan's mainstream public opinion during the exchanges.

Shen made the remarks during a press briefing before attending the 'Seminar on the Impact of the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress on Cross-Strait Exchanges' this afternoon. He stated that the government's position remains unchanged, and as with the visit by Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-chun to mainland China, the MAC extends its blessings to the TPP youth delegation.

He emphasized that during exchanges, participants must maintain equal dignity and ensure that Taiwan's mainstream public opinion is effectively communicated.

Shen warned that exchanges lacking the transmission of Taiwan's mainstream views—especially those merely echoing Chinese Communist Party narratives or united front rhetoric—are not only meaningless but potentially harmful. Such interactions could send misleading signals to the international community. He urged the TPP delegation to abide by relevant laws and regulations and to clearly convey Taiwan's authentic public sentiment during their visit.

Shen further called on the Chinese Communist Party to engage not only with specific political parties in Taiwan but also with Taiwan's democratically elected government through unconditional dialogue. 'I hope that one day I can represent the MAC in visiting mainland China. If such a day comes, it may open more opportunities for peaceful resolution of cross-strait conflicts,' he said.

Meanwhile, Hsu Shu-po, Chairman of the National Federation of Commerce and Industry, revealed yesterday at the 2026 '11th Guizhou-Taiwan Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum' that efforts are underway to expand direct cross-strait flight routes, with Xi'an and Kunming as potential candidate cities.

In response, Shen reiterated MAC's position: cities with substantial demand from Taiwanese businesses will be evaluated for direct flights. However, cities serving primarily tourism purposes without stable passenger demand may not require urgent charter or scheduled flights. The MAC will consult with local Taiwanese business communities to assess actual needs before making further plans. (Editor: Chu Chien-ling)