Beijing is promoting Xintian village in Fujian province, the ancestral home of Taiwanese politician William Lai, as a symbol of historical and religious links between Taiwan and mainland China [1].
The Lai Clan Ancestral Hall in Xintian preserves centuries of clan history and is central to the Chinese government’s efforts to promote reunification through shared kinship and religion [1]. The local government has encouraged the Lai clan association to transform the village into a hub for cross-strait cultural exchange. A new display hall is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 [1].
Taiwanese livestreamer known as “Gym Boss” visited Xintian village and broadcast his trip to his 1.3 million followers, boosting visitor interest in the site [1]. Lai Hanzhong, secretary of the Lai clan association, said the clan hopes William Lai will abandon his separatist stance and support reunification. He stated, “All of us hope he will repent and learn from his mistakes, and do more good for the cause of national reunification” [1].
Beijing views Taiwan as part of China and considers William Lai an obstinate separatist, not ruling out the use of force to achieve reunification [1]. The promotion of the ancestral village is part of a broader strategy to build popular support for reunification through cultural and familial ties.
The completion of the Xintian display hall later this year will mark a key milestone in converting the village into a center for cross-strait exchanges and reunification advocacy [1].
