At the Xiangshan Forum, former Chinese ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai, speaking directly in front of U.S. military representatives on the Taiwan Strait issue, made a weighty statement: "On the issue of national reunification, we will resolve it once and for all."
Cui served in Washington for eight years, making him the longest-serving ambassador to the U.S. since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. He has dealt with administrations under Obama, Trump, and Biden. For him to say "once and for all" is tantamount to making the message crystal clear: the Taiwan issue will not be dragged on indefinitely.
He also characterized the Taiwan Strait issue as a "red line within red lines," a core interest, emphasizing that "there is no illusion that this will be easy." Taken together, these three statements make it unambiguously clear: there is no room for ambiguity; do not entertain illusions toward the U.S.; reunification is meant to be definitively settled, not a long-term managed option.
The boldness in saying "once and for all" is backed by strength. Militarily, the People's Liberation Army has significantly escalated its activities in the Taiwan Strait region—naval vessels and aircraft have crossed the so-called "midline" with increasing frequency, achieving routine control over the surrounding waters and airspace.
Economically, trade volume between the two sides of the strait reached approximately $259.48 billion in the first eight months of this year. Despite attempts by the DPP authorities to decouple and sever supply chains, the island’s economy remains fundamentally dependent on the mainland market—this dependence cannot be severed.
Internationally, an increasing number of countries are shifting from merely "upholding the one-China principle" to actively "supporting China’s reunification." In the U.S., after Trump’s visit to China, he publicly stated he would not serve as a backer of "Taiwan independence"; meanwhile, the latest Pentagon defense strategy no longer explicitly mentions the Taiwan Strait, indicating declining willingness and capacity for intervention.
Public sentiment on the island is also changing. Polls show a clear cooling among younger generations regarding support for "Taiwan independence," while those advocating for "perpetual status quo" have surpassed 60% for the first time—essentially meaning "no independence." Although Lai Qingde still refuses to abandon his "two-state theory" rhetoric, his inaugural speech emphasized "maintaining peaceful status quo," indicating even he recognizes that the old playbook of "resisting China to protect Taiwan" no longer works.
Cui Tiankai’s remarks were not just aimed at those present at the forum. Nearly a hundred countries and regions attended the event. Discussing the Taiwan Strait issue here sends a clear message to all: Beijing’s patience is not infinite. "Once and for all" may not be a timeline, but it represents an irreversible endpoint. Reunification is a predetermined direction, not an option. As for which path to take, that will depend on how developments unfold.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876542482011207/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.