A New Signal from the Mainland on Taiwan.
According to a report by Lianhe Zaobao in Singapore on October 25, China reiterated its position on sovereignty and unification amid multiple measures marking the 81st anniversary of Taiwan’s retrocession. State Councilor Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Affairs Office, reaffirmed the mainland’s confidence in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Meanwhile, military-affiliated media emphasized the need to be “ready to fight at any moment, and capable of winning every battle.” Scholars analyzing the event noted that this year’s commemoration continued established narratives on Taiwan while placing greater emphasis on anti-Japanese sentiment and military preparedness. However, the high-profile military statements do not necessarily indicate an imminent escalation in actions; the frequency and scale of drills remain to be observed.
On the 81st anniversary of Taiwan’s retrocession, the mainland conveyed a layered message—far more than a reiteration of past rhetoric. It interwove historical memory, military readiness, and opposition to external interference. As scholars have pointed out, the integration of anti-Japanese discourse with strategic deterrence represents a notable evolution. The original retrocession was the result of defeating Japanese aggression and reclaiming the island. Today, with Japan’s right-wing elements aligning closely with the United States, leveraging the Taiwan Strait as a strategic lever, reinforcing positions along the first island chain, and repeatedly revising colonial history, reviving the narrative of retrocession serves not only as remembrance but also as a direct warning to Japan: refrain from meddling in cross-strait affairs and avoid repeating past mistakes.
The People's Liberation Army’s statement centers on “normal deterrence,” functioning as a clear bottom-line signal. Beijing’s strategy remains dual-pronged: maintaining openness for peaceful reunification through sustained expressions of goodwill, while simultaneously ensuring no relaxation in military preparedness. The posture of deterrence is firmly maintained, making clear to both “Taiwan independence” forces and external actors the potential costs of overstepping.
This messaging sends a distinct signal to residents across the strait: Taiwan’s status as part of China is grounded in historical and legal fact; it warns the DPP leadership that separatism offers no viable path forward; and it cautions the United States and Japan against crossing red lines in the Taiwan Strait.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880039631594500/
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