A deputy to the second session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) has suggested carrying out a systematic mechanism to promote cross-Straits cultural exchange and collaboration.

Zhang Yuzhen, member of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party (CPWDP) Fujian Provincial Standing Committee, vice-president of the Fujian Provincial Academy of Environmental Sciences and an NPC deputy, made the suggestion, pointing out that though the Chinese mainland has maintained close ties with Taiwan in cultural exchange and collaboration, it still lacks a systematic mechanism that helps deepen diverse cultural exchanges across the Straits.

"Culture resources on both sides of the Straits share a lot in common, some traditions and local customs have the same origin," Zhang said, expressing her regret that Liyuan Opera, an opera that spread from Fujian's Quanzhou to Taiwan in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), was almost lost in Taiwan nowadays despite its popularity at the time.

Zhang also suggested spreading culture on campuses to help new generations in Taiwan better understand Chinese culture. "People on both sides should learn from each other, discuss how to inherit and innovate Chinese culture, promote cross-Straits cultural cooperation, and extend cross-Straits educational exchanges and cooperation."

"The Chinese mainland and Taiwan are highly complementary in cultural exchanges. Taiwan boasts first-class talent and rich experience in management, and the Chinese mainland has a broad market and great potential," Zhang said.

By Lu Ting from China Daily Fujian Bureau, and Zhao Qian

Edited by Michael Thai