SHANGHAI, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Impressed by the mainland's vitality and creativity during a tour in Shanghai, Cheng Li-wun, chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, on Thursday called for building greater goodwill and mutual trust across the Taiwan Strait.
Leading a KMT delegation, Cheng arrived in Shanghai from Nanjing by high-speed train on Wednesday afternoon.
Their first stop was the Shanghai headquarters of the food delivery giant Meituan, offering Taiwan guests a glimpse into the mainland's rapidly developing smart economy.
Ordering milk tea on her phone, Cheng had it delivered by drone in about 15 minutes. "The drink is still warm!" she said after taking a sip.
"This is a rare opportunity for me to experience firsthand how the low-altitude economy operates -- an industry of the future," Cheng said. "It offers valuable reference for Taiwan."
She urged Taiwan's service sector to deepen integration with the internet and artificial intelligence.
The delegation then visited a public space in a revitalized waterfront area along the Huangpu River, where about 20 young people from both the mainland and Taiwan were taking part in a cultural exchange event.
Several young people from Taiwan shared their experiences of work, daily life, and personal growth in Shanghai.
Cheng gave a thumbs-up to Taiwan youth on the mainland for pursuing careers they love and building connections with like-minded peers.
On Thursday morning, Cheng and her delegation toured Yangshan Port, a key hub in the global shipping market, and the Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute under the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd., manufacturer of domestically-developed aircraft including the C919 passenger jet.
Cheng and her delegation were invited to tour the cabins of demonstration models of the aircraft.
Speaking to reporters, Cheng commended Shanghai's prosperity and beauty, while recalling the city's wartime history and subsequent transformation.
"Peace is the most powerful force," she said. "Given enough time, peace can make anything possible."
She urged people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to remain committed to peaceful development, build greater goodwill and mutual trust, and advance cooperation and exchange.
"We should not let pointless differences and misunderstandings limit our shared possibilities," she said.
The delegation left Shanghai for Beijing on Thursday afternoon. Their mainland visit began on Tuesday and will run through Sunday. ■
