By Berk Kutay Gokmen
ISTANBUL (AA) - A Taiwanese delegation of opposition figures arrived in Beijing on Monday for a think tank exchange forum with the Chinese mainland side, state media reported.
According to the Global Times, the delegation from the Chinese Kuomintang Party (KMT), chaired by Hsiao Hsu-tsen, arrived in China to hold the forum with the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The visit marks the revival of the KMT-CPC forum mechanism after a nine-year hiatus following the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) rise to power in Taiwan. The forum was previously held between 2006 and 2016.
Before departing Taiwan, KMT Deputy Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen said the party “wants to be a voice for Taiwan's industry, a protector of everyday people, and a maker of cross-strait peace,” according to the Taipei-based Central News Agency.
Hsiao Hsu-tsen is leading the delegation, which includes National Policy Foundation Deputy Chairman Lee Hong-yuan as well as 40 experts and scholars.
On Tuesday, the two parties are set to hold the think tank forum in Beijing, co-hosted by research institutes affiliated with both sides.
Participants are expected to discuss topics including the tourism industry, environmental issues, cooperation on sustainable development, strengthening collaboration, and jointly exploring major plans for the development of cross-Strait relations, according to CGTN.