Cross-Strait journalists tour Hunan war sites

About 40 journalists from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and Hong Kong, along with social media influencers from Taiwan, began a weeklong reporting trip in Southwest China's Hunan province on Wednesday, exploring historical sites linked to the resistance against Japanese aggression.

The cross-Strait reporting event coincides with the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931–45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's liberation from Japanese occupation.

The journalists will visit sites in the cities of Changsha, Changde, Hengyang and Huaihua, including the Memorial Hall of the Victory of the Anti-Japanese War and the Acceptance of the Japanese Surrender, and the Nanyue Martyrs' Memorial Hall.

In addition to covering historical venues, participants will visit high-tech enterprises to learn about the development of new quality productive forces and experience the diverse ethnic cultures of ancient towns and villages. The event runs through Aug 6.

Speaking at the launch ceremony in Changsha on Wednesday, Wu Xi, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, highlighted Hunan's importance as a major battlefield in the war against Japanese aggression and the site of Japan's eventual surrender in China.

Wu urged journalists to use their reporting to convey positive energy and promote greater unity among people across the Strait, especially given current complexities in cross-Strait relations.

Sui Zhongcheng, a member of the standing committee of the Communist Party of China Hunan Provincial Committee, emphasized the deep historical, cultural and emotional ties between Hunan and Taiwan. He said he hopes the joint reporting project will help foster mutual understanding and cooperation.

The event is part of a long-running cross-Strait news exchange initiative jointly organized by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the All-China Journalists Association. To date, 23 sessions have been held.