Faith, hope and ancestry: William Lai’s clan village in Beijing’s push for cross-strait ties

Fujian province, strategically positioned as the closest mainland Chinese territory to Taiwan, is actively engaged in Beijing's campaign to foster closer cross-strait relations. The village of Xintian, identified as the ancestral home of Taiwan's current leader, William Lai Ching-te, has been transformed from a quiet rural area into a significant site for promoting kinship and religious ties as a basis for unification.

The recent visit by popular Taiwanese YouTuber Holger Chen Chih-han, also known as "Gym Boss," brought international attention to the Lai Clan Ancestral Hall. During his live-streamed visit, clan association secretary Lai Hanzhong publicly appealed to William Lai, expressing a hope for his repentance and a commitment to national reunification. This sentiment underscores Beijing's perspective that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and its labeling of Lai as a "diehard separatist."

Since Chen's broadcast, Xintian village has experienced a surge in visitors. The local government is now collaborating with the clan association to establish the village as a hub for cross-strait cultural exchange. A new facility dedicated to this purpose is slated for completion by year's end, signaling a concerted effort to deepen connections through shared heritage and cultural activities, a narrative that resonates deeply within the context of China's reunification goals.

“

All of us hope he will repent and learn from his mistakes, and do more good for the cause of national reunification.