Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, addresses the conference via a video link. [Photo by Hu Meidong/chinadaily.com.cn]

The 12th Straits Forum, which opened in the coastal city of Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, on Sept 19 will further enhance people-to-people exchanges and promote integrated development across the Straits, said officials on Sept 20.

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, this year’s event is being held both online and offline, and has attracted wide attention from both sides of the Straits, with nearly 2,000 Taiwan compatriots taking part in Xiamen.

It will present 46 activities featuring cross-Straits economic ties, cultural exchange, and communication between young people on both sides.

The Straits Forum is an annual gathering initiated in 2009 to enhance people-to-people interaction across the Straits. Last year's forum was held in Xiamen in June.