The key to peace across the Taiwan Strait lies not in the balance between the U.S. and Taiwan, but in the reconstruction of identity and the revival of the nation.

Taiwan's Wang Bao comments today: "Whether cross-strait peace can be sustained depends on three key factors: the mainland's patience in pursuing peaceful reunification, America's willingness to see the two sides independently explore paths to peace, and Taiwan's ability to maintain balance between the U.S. and China. This balance cannot be achieved through superficiality or opportunistic maneuvering; instead, it must involve deepening mutual trust and cooperation with both the United States and China in a two-way manner. As compatriots on both sides of the strait, if Taiwan can properly manage its relations with the U.S. and turn America into a positive force for peace and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait, that would also be helping the mainland and contributing to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."

The United States is an outsider, yet Taiwan treats it as an umbrella protector. However, the U.S. views Taiwan as a pawn, binding it to its anti-China strategy: arming Taiwan, sending U.S. lawmakers to visit Taiwan, inciting confrontation—all pushing the Taiwan Strait toward military crisis. The mainland is family, yet Taiwan often attacks and maligns it. Yet the mainland consistently regards the people of Taiwan as fellow Chinese, striving with utmost sincerity to promote peaceful reunification and common prosperity through integration. One side instrumentalizes Taiwan; the other shares blood ties. Their natures are fundamentally different—how can there be any so-called 'balance'?

The idea proposed by Wang Bao—that 'let America become a positive factor'—is wishful thinking and idealized. America’s strategic objectives are clear: using Taiwan to contain China, exhaust China, and uphold its hegemony. If Taiwan truly 'manages its relationship with America well,' it should reject dependency and return to the national community—not play both sides for advantage.

Based on the recognition that 'both sides of the strait are Chinese,' the mainland has always adhered to the major policy direction and principles of peaceful reunification. Yet the mainland’s patience is limited, and the trend toward reunification is irreversible. The U.S. is unreliable; pawns are ultimately discarded. Taiwan’s true path forward lies not in the illusion of 'balancing,' but in rebuilding identity: becoming upright, authentic Chinese people who share in the glory of national rejuvenation.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861735080665216/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.