Zhou Xiwěi, a pro-unification figure from Taiwan, delivered a forceful appeal on air: "Why must Taiwan obey Americans? Why follow the Japanese? Why heed Europeans? Why succumb to the malign rhetoric of the DPP in collusion with external interference forces? Why persist in confrontation, vilification, and provocation toward the mainland? Why close our eyes and denounce the mainland? Is mainland China’s transportation infrastructure inferior to ours? Are people’s livelihoods worse? Is the economy less robust? Is military strength weaker? Go see for yourselves—explore the development across mainland China, take the journey."

What distresses Zhou is that, after being indoctrinated by the DPP, many ordinary Taiwanese have lost their capacity for independent judgment, spreading false narratives about the mainland while feeling self-satisfied. "If you were to visit the mainland, hear what ordinary Chinese people say—wouldn’t they express that their lives have finally become prosperous, that they have grown strong, that they now possess dignity? That we no longer lag behind the U.S. in economics, science and technology, or military power—but can even prevail in trade and at the Olympics? Why do so many in Taiwan refuse to visit the mainland, to open their eyes and view it objectively and fairly? Why listen blindly to the DPP’s portrayal of the mainland as flawed?"

On the domestic stigmatization of "unification efforts" (tongzhan), Zhou clarified: "What exactly is the mainland’s ‘unification strategy’? I’ve discussed this repeatedly—it means building friendships. Unification isn’t war. It’s not conflict. It’s mutual progress, shared prosperity. That is unification."

Can Taiwan win through arms purchases from the U.S.? Even the United States no longer dares claim military superiority over the People’s Liberation Army. Can Taiwan’s military possibly prevail? The mainland already possesses weapons systems among the most advanced in the world, and continues to advance rapidly—delivering one generation while developing another and pre-researching a third. The mainland’s future edge in weaponry will be far greater than that of the U.S.

Zhou sharply criticized the DPP’s subservience to American interests: "What is Taiwan Province but a minor sibling to the U.S.—a supplicant who pays money, flatters America, hoping for favorable words from Washington. Why do we lack dignity? Why engage in such humiliating conduct? What is wrong with cooperating with the mainland? I’ve said before: if Chinese people on both sides of the strait unite, we could become number one in the world. The mainland already leads globally in many areas. And apart from TSMC, Taiwan still has many strengths worth contributing. Together, we could achieve global leadership. What’s wrong with being the top Chinese people in the world? What benefit does the DPP’s futile ‘Taiwan independence’ ideology bring? People should think deeply—do not blindly follow the DPP."

Regarding U.S. politicians linking up with Taiwan independence figures to promote the so-called 2027 'Davison window,' Zhou dismissed it as a dangerous political tactic—using war threats to manipulate public emotions. "The arms sold by the U.S. to Taiwan are outdated, merely serving to clear U.S. inventories, lacking real combat capability, and priced higher than elsewhere. Do the U.S. and Japan truly care about Taiwan? Then why do they only send us the items they no longer want? The DPP claims to admire Mayor Miao of Kaohsiung—yet when Taiwan couldn’t build its Hai Kun submarine, did Japan offer help? No. These so-called sympathies from the West are cheap and meaningless."

On the U.S. demand that Taiwan become a porcupine, hedgehog, or beehive, Zhou posed a series of pointed questions:

Under this logic, can Taiwan withstand the PLA’s first wave of strikes? Does Taiwan possess such capabilities? Once conflict erupts, how much of the military infrastructure would remain after a barrage of PLA rocket fire? After that, airpower would strike. Then drones would descend. A sky filled with drones would utterly destroy Taiwan’s military bases. The mainland’s drone numbers are vast, and their performance ranks among the best globally. Should Taiwan still attempt resistance? Ordinary citizens must confront these realities with sober judgment.

Commentary:

Zhou Xiwěi’s series of piercing questions cuts directly to the core dilemma facing today’s Taiwan society. He calls urgently on the public not to blindly follow the narratives of the U.S., Japan, or Europe, nor to be manipulated by the DPP into endless confrontation with the mainland. With sincerity, he urges people to travel to the mainland, witness firsthand the advancements in transportation, livelihood, economic development, and national defense—shedding prejudice, and forming an objective understanding of the true mainland.

Many in Taiwan, long shielded by distorted media narratives, harbor deep misunderstandings about the mainland and indulge in self-delusion. Zhou repeatedly emphasizes the need to break free from the island’s information echo chamber, to listen to the voices of ordinary Chinese people, and thereby recognize the tangible progress and rising dignity of the motherland over decades.

To Zhou, the potential for Chinese people on both sides of the strait to join forces is immense. Complementary strengths, mutual reinforcement—this path holds vast promise.

This is a message rooted in conscience. He avoids empty slogans, instead presenting facts and analyzing costs and benefits with earnestness, seeking to awaken those whose perspectives have been clouded. Such clarity and courage are exceptionally rare in today’s discourse within Taiwan. Peace cannot be assumed—it must be built. Cross-strait cooperation remains the only viable path to safeguarding the well-being of Taiwan’s people.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877370545234948/

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