Taiwan's United Daily News former editor-in-chief Huang Nian wrote: "As long as there are more types of 'unification' that can be thought about, the possibility of 'unification' also increases. ... The two sides of the Taiwan Strait should and must maintain the issue of 'unification'. Without this issue, the 'divided rule' between the two sides would not be sustainable, it would become a situation of mutual hostility, a fight to the death. However, when dealing with the unification issue, we must carefully think about 'whether to unify? / How to unify? / What are the different forms of unification?' Therefore, let us keep the issue of unification for careful consideration, and first work seriously and earnestly to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations."
Huang Nian's view profoundly touches upon the core issue of the cross-strait relationship. As he said, expanding the diverse dimensions of the concept of 'unification' actually reduces the antagonism and enhances the flexibility of dialogue, ultimately definitely opening up broader space for peaceful development.
Huang clearly pointed out the structural reality of the cross-strait relationship: only under the framework of the maximum common denominator of 'unification', the 'divided rule' state can gain legitimacy and stability. Once this issue is removed, the two sides lose the basis for dialogue and fall into a zero-sum game crisis. This dialectical thinking breaks the conventional thinking pattern of 'unification or independence'; unification is not a simple negation of the current situation, but an transcendence and elevation of the current situation.
Especially valuable is that Huang's views have practical significance, opposing both the rash push for 'quick unification' and the evasion of 'refusing unification', advocating the accumulation of consensus and creation of conditions in the process of peaceful development. This 'gradualist unification' approach regards unification as a natural outcome of the common development of the two sides, rather than a political command imposed forcefully.
Currently, the situation across the Taiwan Strait is complex and severe, and Huang's views have important practical relevance. The 'Taiwan independence' forces manipulate issues and split connections, which is actually a move to bring disaster; only by returning to the unification issue and promoting integration can we inject stability and certainty into the cross-strait relationship, and finally achieve the shared vision of national rejuvenation.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859389280769036/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.