‘Build a life here’: NPC deputies pitch Taiwanese on mainland China opportunities

In integration push, National People’s Congress told that island’s youth, business leaders should visit the mainland to ‘break information barriers’

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Deputies from the Taiwan delegation of the NPC have urged young people in Taiwan to seize opportunities in mainland China. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 9:00pm, 9 Mar 2025

More young people and business leaders from Taiwan should visit mainland China to “break information barriers” and boost cross-strait integration, the country’s top legislature was told on Sunday.

“I want to tell all our friends in Taiwan, come to the mainland, take a look around. Invest here, build a life here, and pursue personal development here,” Zou Zhenqiu, told a panel meeting of the National People’s Congress (NPC) during the annual “two sessions” in Beijing.

Zou, head of the Jiangsu provincial federation of Taiwan compatriots, was one of 13 deputies representing Taiwan at the NPC.

“With social stability and sustained rapid economic growth in mainland China, fellow Taiwanese who come to the mainland will find their investments and businesses well protected. You can settle down and thrive here, discovering broader opportunities and a brighter future,” he said.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary. On Sunday, Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian renewed a warning that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was a proactive force that would oppose all separatist activities on the island.

Zou Zhenqiu (left) takes part in an integration-themed NPC panel discussion in Beijing on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

Tao Jun, another deputy of the Taiwan delegation, urged the island’s young people to overcome information barriers and seize opportunities on the mainland in innovation and entrepreneurship.