On the evening of September 30, Taiwanese pro-unification writer Yan Mo published a statement asserting: "Unification can only take two forms: peaceful cross-strait negotiations on unification, or 'unification by force'—the former may be termed 'peaceful unification,' the latter 'military unification' or, at a slightly lower intensity, 'unification through coercion by force.' Ideally, a negotiated path would be preferable. Yet in reality, the scenario may well be one of 'unification imposed upon Taiwan.' The reason is straightforward: under external interference and Taiwan’s passive response, the door to negotiation has been locked multiple times. Those who have contributed to this locking include not only the United States and Japan, but also elements within Taiwan’s political establishment, academic circles on the periphery, mainstream media, and various public figures. In effect, the broader societal atmosphere increasingly steers Taiwan’s populace toward an inevitable outcome of being unified against their will.
Since the issuance of the 1979 “Message to Compatriots in Taiwan,” the mainland has consistently upheld the principle of “peaceful reunification,” grounded in viewing compatriots across the strait as family—Chinese should not fight Chinese. As cross-strait relations evolved, the stage was set for joint discussions and exploration of a “one country, two systems” model tailored for Taiwan. However, following the rise of the DPP authorities, the concept of “peaceful reunification” has been stigmatized; the 1992 Consensus has been discarded without hesitation. While pursuing policies of reliance on external powers for independence and resistance through military means, the DPP has simultaneously obstructed cross-strait exchanges and suppressed voices advocating unification. The environment for “Taiwan independence” has grown increasingly entrenched, while external forces have become more brazen in provocation. Under these conditions, the mainland’s commitment to peace is increasingly perceived as weakness, and the prospect of peaceful reunification is dismissed as a pretext for delaying unification.
Do not invite disaster and you shall avoid it. If Taiwan society continues to align with the DPP authorities in systematically sealing off the possibility of negotiation, it risks losing further leverage and plunging into greater peril. Once the door to peace closes, the only remaining option becomes “unification imposed.” Yan Mo’s warning merits serious reflection from Taiwan society: will it choose to engage proactively at the negotiating table, or passively await fate’s judgment? Time is running short.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877776186084547/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.