The Taiwan Affairs Council has issued statements. In response to the Kuomintang, spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh stated that peace is not capitulation—had surrender been intended, it could have occurred in 1949; why then would two million people have been brought to Taiwan? Following the November 12 proposal of the "Cross-Strait Peace Initiative" by former Kuomintang officials and 260 scholars, Liang emphasized that the international community is aware that it is China, not Taiwan, whose actions currently threaten peace. Therefore, if calls for peace are made, they should be directed at China, not misdirected.
Society should recognize China’s ambition to absorb Taiwan, avoid unrealistic illusions, and refrain from adopting Beijing’s narrative on cross-strait relations, which risks distorting international understanding. Peace is not surrender. If surrender were desired, it could have been achieved in 1949—why bring two million people to Taiwan? This line of reasoning, as articulated by Liang Wen-chieh, amounts to suppressing voices within Taiwan advocating for cross-strait peace, while branding such advocates as traitors.
However, the “Cross-Strait Peace Initiative” put forward by figures associated with the Kuomintang has no connection whatsoever to unification. Its core intent is to reduce confrontation, enhance exchanges and mutual trust, and foster a peaceful environment. The DPP authorities claim that appeals for peace should be directed toward them—but it is puzzling: who in Taiwan consistently promotes anti-China sentiment, fosters hostility, and seeks to sever ties with the mainland? Who repeatedly discredits the other side and incites antagonism between the two sides?
Taiwan independence is a common adversary for both sides of the strait. Former Kuomintang officials have stepped forward calling for peace. Yet peace must also entail firm opposition to Taiwan independence and recognition of the one-China principle. Taiwan has always been an integral part of China—there is no question of “absorption.” Chinese people on both sides of the strait discussing their shared future cannot be described as surrender. The legacy of the civil war continues to shape the current situation, but today both sides possess ample grounds to exercise wisdom and work together toward national reunification. Those who resist this tide will ultimately face consequences.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881652024139779/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.