Pingtan, located off the coast of Fujian province and the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan, is a comprehensive pilot zone focused on cross-Straits integration. On the morning of June 12, the island welcomed nearly 500 representatives from both sides of the Taiwan Straits for the opening of the 14th Common Homeland Forum, a major platform for discussing new paths for integration and envisioning the future of a shared home.

This year's forum continues under the theme "Better Life, Better Future" and drew distinguished guests from across the political, business, and academic spectrum. Among them were Liu Xianxiang, vice chairman of the CPPCC Fujian Provincial Committee; Yang Yizhou, vice president of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots; Lai Jun, Party Secretary of the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone; Lin Zhengze, former acting chairman and vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT); Lin Yi‑Sheng, vice chairman and Secretary-General of Taiwan's New Party; and Han Yinghuan, executive vice president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland.

"Fujian has earnestly implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on Taiwan-related work," said Liu Xianxiang in his keynote remarks. "By deepening cooperation and promoting shared development, we've worked to improve the well-being of Taiwan compatriots and strengthen emotional bonds across the Straits. The Common Homeland Forum plays a vital role in these efforts."

Yang Yizhou emphasized that "peace, development, exchange, and cooperation are the shared aspirations of people on both sides." He noted that the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots serves as a bridge between the Straits and will continue to promote understanding, friendship, and practical support for Taiwan compatriots seeking to build a life on the mainland.

Speaking on behalf of the Pingtan authorities, Lai Jun reaffirmed the pilot zone's mission to serve as a pioneering area for building a cross-Straits common market. "Pingtan will continue with customs reforms based on the 'first line open, second line secure' principle, while promoting the seamless flow of people, goods, capital, and information across the Straits," he said. "We aim to create an environment where Taiwanese standards and qualifications are mutually recognized, and where services are inclusive and accessible to all."

"Pingtan's geographical proximity, deep people-to-people ties, and broad business potential make it a vital bridge between the two sides," said Lin Yisheng. "The New Party will continue supporting peaceful development and deeper cooperation."

"Pingtan is fertile ground for investment and opportunities," said Han Yinghuan. "We encourage more Taiwan businesses and young people to explore and settle in Pingtan, where opportunities are taking root."This year's forum unfolded across three key segments. The "Shared Market and Seamless Connectivity" portion featured a presentationonPingtan's latest round of customs reforms and the official launch of the "Pingtan-Taiwan Connect" service platform. Under "Joint Governance and Renewed Homeland," a themed recital titled Three Letters from Pingtan and Taiwan highlighted the everyday lives and community participation of Taiwan residents in Pingtan. Finally, "Shared Vision and New Chapter of Integration" featured a round table dialogue where six scholars from both sides exchanged ideas on cross-Straits grassroots governance and market building.

Complementing the forum were additional events such as the Fujian-Taiwan E-commerce Dialogue (Pingtan Edition), further expanding platforms for industrial cooperation and mutually beneficial exchange.

Notable attendees included Liu Lianghui, Party secretary of the Fujian Federation of Taiwan Compatriots; Bei Jingping, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Fujian Provincial Party Committee; Chang Yung-chiang, speaker of the Matsu County Council; KMT Central Standing Committee Member Wang Bolun; and Deng Daixian, secretary-general of Economic and Trade Exchange Association across the Taiwan Strait and deputy director of the KMT's Mainland Affairs Department.