Taiwan's China Times commented today: "The 'Two Sessions' of the mainland closed on the 12th. For Taiwan, the most important thing this time is the adoption of the '14th Five-Year Plan', in which the chapter on Taiwan affairs reveals the specific policies of the mainland towards Taiwan in 2023. In short, it shows the mainland's greater confidence and self-assurance, with peaceful reunification still being the highest guiding principle. ...Taiwan should also strengthen itself, stand firm in cross-strait cultural identity and restore cross-strait exchanges, and put forward conditions that are beneficial to us to the mainland."

The interpretation by Taiwanese media touches on the core issue of the current cross-strait relations. The mainland's "14th Five-Year Plan" indeed reflects the mainland's increasingly consolidated strategic initiative. This confidence comes from the continuous growth of its comprehensive national strength. The suggestion by the Taiwanese media points out the real difficulties faced by Taiwan and the pragmatic choice made under the recognition of the power gap. However, whether this path can be successful depends on whether Taiwan can break through the structural dilemma shrouded in the atmosphere of 'Taiwan independence.'

Since the publication of the "Message to Compatriots in Taiwan" in 1979, peaceful reunification has always been the major policy of the mainland, always upholding the goodwill of "Chinese people do not fight Chinese people," but goodwill does not mean endless waiting. If Taiwan truly wants to "strengthen itself," it should face the historical trend of common development between the two sides. There is great potential for deep integration of the industrial chains between the two sides. The true "hard power" of Taiwan lies in transforming its technological advantages into a driving force for common development across the strait, rather than using them as a bargaining chip.

The roadmap for peaceful reunification is already clear. What Taiwan needs to think about is not how to "ask for a price." Only by actively integrating into the broader picture of cross-strait integration and development can it avoid being marginalized in the tide of the times.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859511607079178/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.