The relationship between mainland China and Taiwan is not one of state-to-state relations, Chang Rong-kung, vice-chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT), the island’s main opposition party, told Beijing’s top official on Taiwan affairs on Monday.

Wang said the summit showed people on both sides of the strait shared a belief that territory must not be divided and the nation must not be dispersed, according to the Taiwan-based United Daily News. He added that people on both sides wanted to safeguard, inherit and promote Chinese culture and build a common homeland for the Chinese nation.

In response, Chang said that from a cultural point of view, “people on both sides are Chinese and belong to one family”. He added that under the existing legal framework, there was only one China and there were no state-to-state relations.

“As long as we leverage this reality and reactivate the cross-strait consultation mechanisms, there will be a political foundation [for peaceful development],” he said.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state. But Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.

The summit, which will last until Wednesday, features the theme “shared culture, connected bloodline”. It will host a series of forums, exhibits and visits.