汪 Daohan’s Family Visits Taiwan to Mourn Koo Yen Cho-yun, Continuing Cross-Strait Ties
Shanghai, February 11, 2025 – Wang Zhizhong, son of the late Wang Daohan, the first president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), traveled to Taiwan on February 11th to pay his respects to Koo Yen Cho-yun, the widow of Koo Chen-fu, former chairman of Taiwan’s Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF). Wang made the trip in a personal capacity.
Upon returning to Shanghai that evening, Wang Zhizhong stated in an interview that his father, Wang Daohan, and Koo Chen-fu had become close friends through their joint efforts to promote the reunification of the motherland. As a result, their families maintained close ties and a deep friendship over the years. This visit to Taipei was to mourn the passing of Mother Koo, as she was affectionately known within the family.
The passing of Koo Yen Cho-yun marks the end of an era for cross-strait relations. Her husband, Koo Chen-fu, along with Wang Daohan, played pivotal roles in the historic Wang-Koo talks in Singapore in 1993. These talks were the first high-level, semi-official dialogue between the two sides since 1949 and paved the way for future exchanges and cooperation.
The Wang-Koo talks addressed a range of issues, including economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and the handling of practical matters arising from cross-strait interactions. While political differences remained, the talks established a crucial channel for communication and helped to ease tensions.
The relationship between Wang Daohan and Koo Chen-fu transcended political divides. They forged a personal bond based on mutual respect and a shared desire for peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait. Their families also developed close ties, symbolizing the potential for reconciliation and understanding between the two sides.
Wang Zhizhong’s visit to Taiwan to mourn Koo Yen Cho-yun is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Wang-Koo relationship. It underscores the importance of maintaining personal connections and continuing dialogue, even in the face of political challenges. As cross-strait relations continue to evolve, the spirit of Wang Daohan and Koo Chen-fu serves as a reminder of the potential for cooperation and mutual benefit.
The visit also highlights the significance of people-to-people exchanges in fostering understanding and goodwill. By maintaining these connections, the two sides can build a foundation for a more peaceful and prosperous future.
References:
- China News Service. (2025, February 11). 汪道涵家人赴台吊唁辜严倬云 [Wang Daohan’s Family Visits Taiwan to Mourn Koo Yen Cho-yun]. Retrieved from [Insert original URL here]
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