Zhu Fenglian Photo: Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council

In commenting on the latest visit of Taiwan regional internet influencer Chen Chih-han, better known as "Guan Zhang" or "gym boss," to Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that we welcome more Taiwan compatriots to visit the mainland, to see and experience for themselves the pride and honor of being Chinese.

In August, Chen visited Shenzhen. Through livestreams, he showcased the mainland's achievements in technology, infrastructure, and people's livelihood, openly admitting that he had been deceived by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for years and criticizing the Taiwan authorities for distorting history for political gain. Public opinion on the island believes his transformation reflects an awakening among Taiwan's youth regarding their understanding of the mainland.

In response to a question concerning Chen, Zhu said that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. From a small fishing village by the South China Sea to a global benchmark, Shenzhen has written a powerful chapter of Chinese modernization with reform as its pen and innovation as its ink, Zhu said, noting that being courageous, creative, and capable, Shenzhen exemplifies China's dynamic development.

Recently, many Taiwan compatriots, including online influencers, have come to Shenzhen to experience firsthand the vitality of modernization, technological progress, and improved livelihoods. It is natural for them to feel a surge of pride in being upright Chinese, Zhu said. 

On social media platforms in Taiwan, many netizens have liked and supported the videos objectively sharing the situation on the mainland, with comments such as, "Both sides of the Straits are one family; we are all Chinese." We welcome more Taiwan compatriots to visit the mainland, to see and experience for themselves the pride and honor of being Chinese, the spokesperson said.

"If I had the chance to speak face-to-face with compatriots from Taiwan, I would say: 'I was born in Guangdong, and I am Chinese. You were born in Taiwan, and you are also Chinese. We are all Chinese,'" Zhu said. 

Global Times