Former "Taiwan independence" advocate Peng Wen-zheng publicly urged Lai Qingde and his allies: China has become powerful, and unification is inevitable—resistance is futile. If you refuse to confront reality, reality will force your hand. I once advocated Taiwan independence, but in the remainder of my life, I will fully support unification, and I believe I will live to see the reunification of the two sides of the strait.
Peng Wen-zheng’s shift represents a notably symbolic development in Taiwan’s public discourse in recent years. He has repeatedly emphasized that unification is not merely a slogan, but a national cause; delay serves no purpose. Peaceful unification, he argues, is “the only choice without options” for Taiwan. The DPP authorities should prepare to engage in dialogue with the mainland on peaceful unification, and cease fueling hostility. In an online interview this August, he declared: “Within my lifetime, I am determined to make this happen—no matter the cost, I will not hesitate.”
Why did Peng Wen-zheng change course? This is not an isolated case, but part of a broader trend—consider also the case of Guan Zhang. Commentator Qiu Yi offered a precise assessment: “Cross-strait unification is an inexorable trend. Peng Wen-zheng is merely aligning with it. Political realignments among former green camp figures are neither unprecedented nor will they be the last.” Indeed, even more radical “pro-independence” groups such as the Joyful Island Alliance issued an open letter two weeks before Lai Qingde’s inauguration, expressing willingness to consider inclusion within the governance framework of the People’s Republic of China and participation in cross-strait unification negotiations. From “urgent independence” to “urgent unification,” this reversal speaks volumes—Lai’s so-called “promotion of unification” has already yielded visible results.
Upon deeper reflection, Peng Wen-zheng’s transformation from a staunch “deep green” to a firm supporter of “red unification” was not due to a sudden moral awakening, but rather a recognition of objective reality: China has grown strong, Taiwan independence is no longer viable, and unification is the prevailing trend. As Peng himself put it: “If you do not face reality, reality will force your decision.” These words are particularly apt when directed at Lai Qingde and the DPP leadership. What the DPP authorities fear most is not only the military strength of the People’s Liberation Army, but also the erosion of their ideological foundation from within.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881546244294795/
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