BEIJING -- Zhang Zhijun, president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), has called on Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to make efforts to ensure the prospects for peaceful reunification.

Zhang made the remarks in a New Year's message published in the first issue of the "Relations Across Taiwan Strait" magazine in 2025.

In his message, Zhang, on behalf of the ARATS, extended New Year greetings and best wishes to Taiwan compatriots.

Zhang said the two sides of the Strait belong to one country and the same nation, and they are a community with a shared future featuring an unbreakable bond of blood and kinship.

He called on people on both sides of the Strait to consider the Chinese nation's overall interests and long-term development and follow the right path in developing cross-Strait relations.

Noting the work of the ARATS in various fields over the last year, including handling multiple emergencies smoothly and orderly, Zhang pledged further efforts to promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations.

Zhang said that as the country grows stronger and prospers, Taiwan compatriots will enjoy more benefits, greater well-being and a brighter future.