Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – Zhang Zhijun, President of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), published a New Year's message entitled "Unwavering Progress, Jointly Building a New Journey" in the first issue of the 2026 edition of the magazine *Cross-Strait Relations*, extending New Year's greetings and blessings to compatriots in Taiwan on behalf of ARATS.
He stated that 2025 was a year of steadfast progress in cross-strait relations and a year of accumulating momentum for national reunification, as well as a year of ARATS serving the overall situation and being pragmatic and diligent in its work. ARATS earnestly studied and implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on Taiwan-related work and the Party's overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan issue in the new era, making new efforts in opposing "Taiwan independence" separatism, promoting exchanges and cooperation, properly handling Taiwan-related emergencies, and safeguarding the rights and interests of compatriots. It continuously strengthened the correct understanding of the "1992 Consensus" and enhanced the correct national and ethnic identity of Taiwan compatriots. The third meeting of the fourth council was held to consolidate efforts to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and advance national reunification. ARATS widely participated in exchange activities in various regions, extensively contacted Taiwan compatriots, and promoted the central government's policies towards Taiwan. It actively invited young people and groups from Taiwan to visit, contributing to the general trend of cross-strait exchanges. Properly handle emergencies related to Taiwan, wholeheartedly respond to the concerns and demands of compatriots, and actively safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.
Zhang Zhijun stated that as long as all Chinese sons and daughters work together, there is no mountain too high to climb and no river too wide to cross on the road to national reunification and rejuvenation. Both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one country and one nation, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will surely benefit the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots, bringing a brighter future to Taiwan's development. Compatriots on both sides of the Strait should work together to promote the great cause of national reunification and the great rejuvenation of the nation.
He stated that in 2026, the mainland will embark on a new chapter of the "15th Five-Year Plan," comprehensively advancing the construction of a strong nation and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization, which will surely achieve new and great achievements. This will provide a strong guarantee for the development of cross-strait relations and lay a solid foundation for national reunification. The Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) will, as always, expand exchanges, enhance communication, deepen cooperation, and build consensus with the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots, working together with old friends, new friends, and young friends to jointly promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, advance the great cause of national reunification, and jointly write a magnificent chapter in the rejuvenation of the nation.
