Chinese culture seen as 'root', 'soul' of mainland, Taiwan compatriots

Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, who is leading a group of Taiwan students on a journey to explore history and culture on the Chinese mainland, said that any attempts to sever the roots of Chinese culture in Taiwan are destined to fail.

Ma made the remarks on Monday while attending a symposium in Chengdu, Sichuan province, which brought together officials, scholars and students from both sides to discuss how to jointly promote Chinese culture.

"Both sides share the same roots and culture. People on both sides belong to the Chinese nation, descendants of Emperor Yan and the Yellow Emperor, sharing Chinese culture. We must not forget our ancestors," he said.