For more on the analysis on the Straits forum, let's talk to Mr Zhong Houtao, from the Institute of Taiwan Studies, at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Q1:This year's forum aims to boost people-to-people exchanges, especially for young people. It focusses on issues including employment, entrepreneurship and public services. How do you interpret it?

Q2: This is the first Straits forum after Cai yingwen became Taiwan's new leader...what could be the impact of this for future cross-straits relations?