Fujian Giving Taiwan More Incentives, Setting Example for Other Provinces to Follow
China Times, June 18, 2023
The 15th Straits Forum opened on June 17 with a speech by Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), announcing that Fujian Province would build a "demonstration zone for cross-strait integration and development" and reiterated its adherence to the "1992 Consensus" and its opposition to Taiwan independence. The establishment of the demonstration zone will not only offer Taiwanese businessmen more development opportunities but will also serve as a policy reference for other provinces and cities to follow. Wang’s reaffirmation of the "1992 Consensus" was meant as an overture to the candidates in Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election, especially candidates Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), who may potentially acknowledge their adherence to the "1992 Consensus" but have yet to openly declare so.
In his speech, Wang stressed that the foundation and driving force for the development of cross-strait relations lie with the people. Mr. Bao Chengke, assistant director of the Shanghai East Asia Research Institute, believes that cross-strait exchanges are expected to be more frequent, more open, and more centered on youth exchanges. However, with the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) opposition to exchanges with the mainland, especially in the context of Taiwan’s general election next year, cross-strait exchanges are in an uncertain environment. For example, the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation recently tried to invite 50 mainland Chinese students to visit Taiwan but this initiative has faced mounting difficulties.
On June 17, Wang announced that Fujian will establish a "demonstration zone for cross-strait integration and development. According to Bao, the idea of the demonstration zone has two noteworthy aspects. The first is to appeal to Taiwanese businessmen by providing more incentives and opportunities to invest in Fujian. The second is to provide a model for others to follow. If Fujian can do it, then other provinces and autonomous regions can follow its example and implement a series of policy arrangements that benefit Taiwanese enterprises. The demonstration zone may then extend across the mainland.
There were early signs that Fujian was announcing the establishment of a "demonstration zone for cross-strait integration and development." During the two sessions of the Chinese Communist Party, General Secretary Xi Jinping stated in March 2019 that his intention was to make Fujian Province the “first home park” in the mainland for Taiwanese businessmen and enterprises. Subsequently, it was observed that major Fujian officials expressed a high level of interest in Taiwan.
For example, many provinces and cities on the mainland have recently held meetings regarding Taiwan, most of which were attended only by the deputy secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, or the minister of the United Front Work Department. In Fujian, however, Zhou Zuyi, party secretary of Fujian Province, attended the meeting and delivered a speech, and together with Zhao Long, deputy party secretary and governor of the province, as many as eight provincial officials attended the meeting at the same time, showing a conspicuously high-level of attendance and arrangement.
Wang reiterated that only by adhering to the “1992 Consensus” and opposing Taiwan independence can the Taiwan Strait be restored to a calm and peaceful environment for the development of cross-strait relations. He said that it is still unknown how the candidates in Taiwan’s election next year stand on the issue of the “1992 Consensus.” Especially, since Hou and Ko have thus far not openly and conclusively acknowledged adherence to the “1992 Consensus.”
From: https://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20230618000530-260303?chdtv