China and Taiwan cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of past wars. Both sides must work together to lower the threat of conflict through exchange. That came from KMT Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia on Tuesday as he spoke to Taiwanese teachers, students, and businesspersons in China’s Zhejiang Province.
Hsia's trip began days after China completed a series of live-fire military drills close to Taiwan. His visit has been met with controversy, including by members of his own party.
Hsia is on an extended visit to China. During his time there he will hold dialogues with Taiwanese nationals living in the country. On Tuesday, Hsia spoke with Taiwanese residents in Hangzhou, Zhejiang’s capital. Speaking on the 64th anniversary of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, Hsia said both sides of the Taiwan Strait should work to preserve the region’s hard-won peace.
Taiwanese business representative Lee Hung-lan says only when cross-Strait relations improve will Taiwan and its people’s livelihoods also get better. She says maintaining good investment and social environments require commitment from both sides.