BEIJING — Zhang Zhijun, president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), has called on people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to work together toward the historic goal of national reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. In a New Year message published in the first 2026 issue of the journal “Relations Across Taiwan Straits”, Zhang extended greetings and best wishes to Taiwan compatriots on behalf of ARATS. He described 2025 as a year in which cross-Strait relations continued to gain momentum toward the reunification of the motherland.
Zhang highlighted ARATS’s efforts over the past year, including opposing “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, promoting exchanges and cooperation, effectively handling emergencies related to Taiwan, and safeguarding the rights and interests of compatriots. He stressed that both sides of the Strait belong to one China and the same Chinese nation. “The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will benefit Taiwan compatriots and bring brighter prospects for Taiwan’s development,” Zhang said.
Looking ahead to 2026, Zhang noted that the mainland will embark on a new phase of its 15th Five-Year Plan. Its comprehensive pursuit of national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization is expected to achieve new milestones, providing a strong foundation for the growth of cross-Strait relations and further advancing the reunification of the motherland.
