New media groups from Fujian and Taiwan attend the debate competition. [Photo by Hu Meidong/chinadaily.com.cn]

A new media debate competition took place in the coastal city of Xiamen, East China's Fujian province on Sept 20, aiming to promote exchange between people from both Fujian and Taiwan, which are located on opposite sides of the Taiwan Straits.

Guest speakers at the competition said that the rapid development of new media has helped fuel the boom of internet celebrity economy and live-streaming industry and has created new opportunities for exchange and cooperation between youth from Fujian and Taiwan.

Wang Yun-ting, a new media worker from Taiwan, said during the event that the mobile internet sector on the Chinese mainland makes it easier for young people in Taiwan to participate in the integrated development of Fujian and Taiwan.

"Many new and advanced mobile apps and telephone-based services are springing up on the Chinese mainland, some of which have grown into industrial leaders. Young people on both sides of the Straits will join hands to promote the development of new media," said Xia Lie, executive vice-chairman of the Zhejiang Network Writers Association.

Additionally, a cross-Straits youth exchange program was launched at the event, which aims to cultivate high-level new media talents in both Fujian and Taiwan and help more young people from Taiwan  pursue and realize their dreams on the mainland.