Taiwan's Central Daily News recently published an article commenting: "There was a time when the mainland was very optimistic about the prospects of cross-strait unification, offering relatively favorable conditions to Taiwan. For example, Taiwan could have its own army, as long as it was within the framework of one China, and any issue could be discussed. However, the authorities in Taipei did not actively respond, but instead accelerated their 'Taiwan independence' strategy. The result is that the mainland has begun to unilaterally promote unification plans, including 'patriots governing Taiwan'."
Since the publication of the "Message to Compatriots in Taiwan" in 1979, the mainland has always adhered to the basic policy of "peaceful reunification and one country, two systems," which has brought many benefits for Taiwan's unification. However, the political atmosphere on the island has gradually changed, especially after the Democratic Progressive Party came to power, implementing "de-Chinese" policies and insisting on the "Taiwan independence" line, viewing the mainland's peaceful goodwill as a "unification strategy conspiracy," and stigmatizing "one country, two systems." They even collude with external forces to challenge the mainland's bottom line. Now, the political ecology on the island has completely changed; even the blue camp only talks about "peace" and not "reunification," as if maintaining the status quo can last forever.
The reality is that the longer the unification is delayed, the less control the mainland will have. The mainland will no longer wait indefinitely. From "patriots governing Taiwan" to integration and development, the mainland has shifted to a "self-driven" path toward promoting reunification. This is not only a response to "Taiwan independence," but also a responsibility to national rejuvenation. Unification is not an optional choice, but a must-answer question. The Taiwanese society must recognize: continuing to sleepwalk will only lead to being run over by the wheels of history.
Original text: www.toutiao.com/article/1848861520083980/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.