Featured publications are on display during the reading conference in Fuzhou. [Photo/Fujian Pictorial]

Nearly 200 representatives from the publishing, arts and academic communities, as well as youth representatives from both sides of the Strait, gathered in Fuzhou on July 2 for the opening of the 3rd Cross-Strait Reading Conference, part of the 18th Straits Forum.

The event focused on using reading, art education, and digital culture to promote cross-strait cultural exchanges. Organizers unveiled two new initiatives, including a collection of art education publications and an AI-powered platform designed to support digital art education services.

The platform integrates technologies including artificial intelligence and blockchain to support the creation, distribution, and educational use of cultural resources, while expanding digital access to traditional culture.

Five cooperation agreements were also signed during the conference, covering areas such as marine culture promotion, Fujian-Taiwan book copyright exchanges, and digital art asset operations. The agreements extend cooperation beyond traditional publishing into digital content and cultural industries. Organizers said the initiatives intend to create more opportunities for exchanges between young people from both sides.

A companion essay competition, in which participants write about a pre-selected book, received 673 submissions from Taiwan, a significant increase from previous years, organizers said.

Running from July 2 to July 31, the month-long conference includes exhibitions, publishing forums, cultural activities, and reading events at bookstores, schools and cultural venues across Fujian province, with Fuzhou serving as the main venue.