The Director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of Shandong province, Zhang Xueyan, giving a speech. [taiwan.cn]

The "2013 China?Xintai Cherry Festival and the Taiwan Economic and Trade Cooperation Fair" kicked off on May 10 in Xintai City, Shandong Province.

The Director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of Shandong province, Zhang Xueyan, in an opening speech, recognized the achievements of the cities of Tai’an and Xintai to strengthen economic and cultural cooperation between Shangdong and Taiwan.

Zhang also pointed out that the development of peaceful relations has now gone off the "deep end" and entered a "crucial period". The festival and fair, jointly hosted by the government of Xintai City and the Taiwan Affairs Office of Tai'an City, carries a wider significance, added Zhang.

The leaders of the cities of Tai'an and Xintai, and other Taiwanese representatives were also present at the opening ceremony.