In a concerted effort to deepen cross-Straits integration, Fujian Province has established Taiwan affairs offices at the county level across all county-level cities and districts within its jurisdiction.

This strategic move, aligned with China’s broader reunification vision, underscores the Chinese mainland's dedication to strengthening ties and facilitating integration with Taiwan.

The initiative was highlighted by Zhou Qingsong, deputy head of the Fujian Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department, during a recent announcement published on a WeChat account associated with a prominent publication on China's public sector reform, 'China Institutional Establishment'.

Zhou indicated that these measures are part of a wide-ranging institutional reform aimed at promoting cross-Straits integration and underscored Fujian's pivotal role in advancing these efforts.

Significantly, the new county-level offices are expected to enhance practical support for Taiwan compatriots residing in Fujian.

Specific measures focus on improving access to educational and employment opportunities.

This includes facilitating recruitment from Taiwan for teaching positions in vocational schools and ensuring the inclusion of Taiwan compatriots' children in local primary, secondary schools, and kindergartens.

Moreover, Taiwanese students at colleges and universities in Fujian are promised adequate staffing and resources.

Zhou further called for the development of platforms to support cross-Straits integration and emphasized enhancing the management and operation mechanisms of Taiwan investment zones within the province.

This comprehensive administrative strategy aims to refine local capacities, utilizing Fujian's strengths to drive integrated development.

During 2023, the Chinese mainland has observed substantial progress with Fujian as a focal point, addressing key challenges faced by Taiwan compatriots concerning their livelihood, education, and employment within the province.

Li Zhenguang, deputy director at the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Beijing Union University, noted in discussions with the Global Times that these advancements form part of a broader governmental agenda, as delineated in a document issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council in September 2023.

The document outlined Fujian Province's designation as a demonstration zone for cross-Straits integrated development, prescribing 21 measures aimed at catalyzing integration across various domains.

By breaking down tasks to a county and city level, Fujian's Taiwan affairs offices are entrusted with the coordination and implementation of these strategic tasks.

Li emphasized that the establishment of additional Taiwan affairs offices indicates a deliberate allocation of resources and personnel to precisely address integration challenges, effectively leveraging local strengths at the county level.

This expansive approach is aligned with the commemoration of the first anniversary of the mainland’s '10 measures,' which were introduced to enhance convenience and integration for Taiwan residents in Fujian.

Through these pragmatic steps, Fujian is poised to contribute significantly to fostering cross-Straits peace and development, while concurrently signaling its commitment to establishing conditions conducive to peaceful reunification.

These actions reaffirm the mainland's stance against 'Taiwan secession' by advocating for the continued expansion of cross-Straits interactions.