Cross-Strait Relations at Critical Moment：Xi's Peaceful Tone Remains Un-changed
China Times, March 9, 2024
This year's Two Sessions, the annual plenary sessions of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), have been marked by a notable emphasis on Taiwan-related statements. From March 4 to March 7, high-ranking party officials addressed cross-strait issues daily. Many observers note the timing of these statements, occurring just before William Lai assumes the presidency in Taiwan. Recently, pundits in Taiwan have been discussing the omission of the word "peaceful" from the phrase "peaceful reunification of the motherland" in a recent statement from the mainland. However, the very next day, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his stance on the "peaceful reunification of the motherland", seemingly alleviating the crisis. Instead of fixating on the change in wording, it is crucial to consider the long-term implications.
China's major policy towards Taiwan has remained consistent over the years, with a focus on "opposing Taiwan's independence, peaceful development, peaceful reunification, and promoting integration" serving as the enduring keynotes. As early as October 2020, the communiqué of the Fifth Plenary Session of the Nineteenth Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party exhibited an initial change in tone. Over the past three to four years, the mainland's "two peace" stance, encompassing the "peaceful development of cross-strait relations" and the "peaceful reunification of the motherland," gradually shifted towards a "one peace" stance, retaining only the commitment to the "peaceful reunification of the motherland."
Mainland China's core policy towards Taiwan has remained steadfast over time, emphasizing "opposing Taiwan's independence, fostering peaceful development, promoting peaceful reunification, and facilitating integration." As early as October 2020, the communiqué of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party hinted at a shift in approach. Over the past three to four years, mainland China's stance, previously characterized by "two peace" principles—namely, promoting the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and advocating for the peaceful reunification of the motherland—has gradually transitioned towards a singular focus on the "peaceful reunification of the motherland," encapsulating what is now termed the “one peace” statement. Despite this, mainland rhetoric on the reunification issue has fluctuated between “one peace” and “two peace” statements, even as recently as the January press conference held by the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of the mainland’s State Council discussing the prospects of this year’s work on Taiwan, the "two peace" expression was still employed.
The recent Two Sessions have seen a heightened focus on Taiwan-related matters. The CPPCC's work report on March 4, the government's work report on March 5, and Xi’s visit to the CPPCC's Joint Committee of the Revolution Committee and the Science and Technology Committee on the 6th all underscored the need to "continue strengthening the anti-independence movement and jointly push for the peaceful reunification of the motherland." On March 7, Wang Huling reiterated the government's report during deliberations of the Taiwan Delegation. Concurrently, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Central Committee's Political Bureau, extensively discussed Cross-Strait relations from a diplomatic perspective during the Foreign Ministers' Press Conference. Additionally, Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee, briefly mentioned during the Fujian delegation on March 5 his commitment to "persist in exploring a new path of cross-strait integration and development and establishing a successful cross-strait integration and development demonstration area."
When examining the statements from the top echelons of the Chinese Communist Party regarding Taiwan, it's notable that Li Qiang and Wang Huling both referenced the "reunification of the motherland" without explicitly mentioning the word “peaceful,” such as Wang’s statement on "unwaveringly promote the great cause of reunification of the motherland.” Conversely, Xi and Wang emphasized "advancing the process of peaceful reunification of the motherland" and "striving for the prospect of peaceful reunification," incorporating the term “peaceful.” There are nuances to consider in their inconsistencies in using the term “peaceful.” "Process" and "prospect" imply a sense of "dynamism," thereby emphasizing the need to advance reunification peacefully. "Great cause" refers to an established significant task, making it potentially unnecessary to add "peaceful" to it.
The significance of the years in which Xi has addressed cross-strait issues is notable. Reflecting on the 12 years since Xi assumed office, he has only discussed cross-strait issues in 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2024.
In 2015, following Taiwan's Sunflower Movement and the Kuomintang's (KMT) significant electoral defeat at the end of 2014, Xi emphasized the importance of the 1992 Consensus as the cornerstone of cross-strait political mutual trust. He highlighted that without a strong foundation, the ground would be unstable. In 2016, after Tsai Ing-wen was elected president and was about to assume office, Xi reiterated that his major policy direction towards Taiwan would remain unchanged despite shifts in Taiwan's political landscape. In 2019, after the Kuomintang's substantial victory in the late 2018 election and the introduction of Xi's “Five Principles" on January 2, Xi leveraged the Kuomintang's success to discuss future cross-strait issues. He proposed the opening of the cross-strait region as much as possible and advocated for Fujian Province to serve as the primary destination for Taiwan compatriots going to the mainland.
In 2024, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) effectively countered calls for a change in government by the electorate and successfully propelled William Lai to the presidency, making it clear that the mainland can no longer anticipate friendly relations with Taiwan. Xi emphasized the imperative to "unite all patriotic forces that can be mobilized at home and abroad, on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and on the island," to bolster anti-independence and pro-reunification sentiments and advance the process of peaceful reunification of the motherland. This underscores Xi's consistent expression of key attitudes at pivotal junctures in the cross-strait political landscape.
In addition to scrutinizing the documents and speeches delivered during the Two Sessions, the annual Taiwan work conference at the year's outset serves as a crucial barometer for gauging Communist China’s stance towards Taiwan. This year's revamped directive emphasizes "enhancing the synergy of work on Taiwan," exemplified by coordinated efforts across various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, TAO, Ministry of State Security, Ministry of Commerce, and Civil Aviation Administration in their endeavors related to Taiwan.
Regarding the omission of "peaceful” from the “reunification of the motherland”, Minister Chiu Tai-san of the Mainland Affairs Council responded on March 7 that mainland China, under the leadership of the Communist Party and its General Secretary, has taken a firm stance. Xi's instructions now clearly indicate that peace is no longer emphasized.
In light of this, it's notable that former President Ma Ying-jeou's assertion of "trust in Xi" was once criticized. However, it seems that Chiu Tai-san has also chosen to place his trust in Xi.
From: https://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20240309000369-260108