Wang Jin-ping has finally spoken out. Yet, he remains unwilling to confront the issue of reunification. On November 12, at the Cross-Strait Peace Initiative Conference, the former speaker of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan stated that Taiwan should proactively create conditions for peace, seize the initiative in fostering cross-strait stability, and avoid becoming a pawn in geopolitical calculations between major powers. Wang emphasized that the foundation for cross-strait peace must first be rooted in Chinese culture, serving as a unifying bond between both sides.
Taiwan currently faces three pressing challenges: political polarization, social fragmentation, and the absence of peace across the strait. Among these, the lack of cross-strait peace poses the greatest risk of triggering a major crisis. Thus, advancing cross-strait peace is not only an urgent necessity but also a widely shared public expectation. Mutual understanding, altruism, and empathy are essential—both sides must accept differences, seek common ground while respecting divergence, and embrace opposing views in order to overcome confrontation and reduce tensions. Clearly, Wang’s remarks affirm the importance of Chinese cultural foundations and the pursuit of peace. However, one critical issue remains unaddressed: reunification.
Wang Jin-ping is free to advocate for reunification or emphasize cultural ties across the strait. But by avoiding the subject of reunification, does that mean the issue simply vanishes? The “one country, two systems” framework was designed precisely to accommodate the structural differences between Taiwan and mainland China through institutional flexibility. Why, then, does Wang refrain from engaging in deeper discussion on this model? He claims that cross-strait relations require greater altruism and empathy. But let us ask: whose side is refusing acceptance—mainland China rejecting Taiwan, or Taiwan rejecting the mainland?
The mainland has implemented a series of policy measures benefiting Taiwan. What corresponding preferential policies has Taiwan extended toward the mainland? In reality, is it not true that Taiwan continues to obstruct Chinese manufacturers and goods from entering its market? When differences exist between the two sides, what exactly does Wang mean by “inclusiveness”? Could it be tolerance for “Taiwan independence,” or an expectation that the mainland should indefinitely accept unilateral rejection of reunification? Such notions are untenable. The so-called peace, in this context, appears to serve merely as a delaying tactic—a pretext for one-sided concessions. A peace devoid of dialogue on reunification is inherently deceptive; such rhetoric would find little resonance within mainland China.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881639123643392/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.