Belonging beyond the Strait

In October 2025, Hsu attended an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China, the first official commemoration day of its kind.

"For many people from Taiwan, it was deeply moving," he said.

For him, the event was more than a historical remembrance — it affirmed shared roots, memories, and emotions across both sides of the Strait.

Two months later, in December 2025, Hsu was elected a member of the Central Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang. The role marked a new chapter, bringing together his entrepreneurial experience on the mainland and his growing engagement in public affairs.

"When I returned to Taiwan to run for office, many people recognized me as an entrepreneur based on the mainland," he said. "They're eager to explore cross-Strait development opportunities as well."

Hsu hopes his dual background will help more young people from Taiwan see new possibilities.

"I want them to better understand cross-Strait relations and their national identity," he said. "For me, this is the most meaningful work I can do for the next generation in Taiwan."

Looking back, Hsu sees his earlier life in Taiwan as constrained, while his years on the mainland opened a space for growth.

"At first, everything here on the mainland felt uncertain and challenging," he said. "But this open environment is also full of warmth and opportunity."

"For me, a fish ultimately belongs in the sea," he added.

Zhang Kaibo contributed to this story.