Chinese President Xi Jinping. Picture: CCTV recap (information photo)
On the last night of 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year’s message. He only said one sentence on cross-strait relations: “The realization of the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of the compatriots on both sides of the strait.” The MAC called on the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party to be “peaceful and equal.” Promote cross-strait interaction under the framework of “Democracy, Dialogue,” and emphasize that the “four persistences” proposed by President Tsai Ing-wen are the unswerving bottom line.
According to a report by the Chinese state media Xinhua News Agency, Xi Jinping did not mention Taiwan or the United States. He said that the “motherland” has always been concerned regarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau. Only by working together and working together can “one country, two systems” be stable and far-reaching. Realizing the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of the compatriots on both sides of the strait.” I sincerely hope that all Chinese sons and daughters will join hands to create a bright future for the Chinese nation.
Regarding this, the MAC stated that it has noticed the routine New Year’s speeches of the Chinese Communist Party leaders and their established policies and propositions towards Taiwan. The Beijing authorities should give priority to improving the people’s livelihood, economy, and human rights in the face of the current global situation and the complex internal and external challenges. In response to the issue of freedom, and in response to the international community’s requirements for abiding by international rules and order, it should also adjust its stubborn thinking and methods of intimidating and intimidating Taiwan in order to deal with cross-strait relations in a pragmatic way.
The MAC emphasized that our government’s cross-strait policy has always been consistent, not provocative, not aggressive, and committed to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the region, and firmly defending national sovereignty and democratic freedom. In addition to promoting cross-strait interaction under “peace, reciprocity, democracy, and dialogue,” the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party should also respect Taiwan’s adherence to a democratic constitutional system, non-subordination of the two sides of the strait, non-infringement and annexation of sovereignty, and insisting that the future of Taiwan is determined by the people of Taiwan. The common cognition of these “four persistences” is the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, and even more so, is the unwavering bottom line.
On the last night of 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year’s message. He only said one sentence on cross-strait relations: “The realization of the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of the compatriots on both sides of the strait.” The MAC called on the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party to be “peaceful and equal.” Promote cross-strait interaction under the framework of “Democracy, Dialogue,” and emphasize that the “four persistences” proposed by President Tsai Ing-wen are the unswerving bottom line.
According to a report by the Chinese state media Xinhua News Agency, Xi Jinping did not mention Taiwan or the United States. He said that the “motherland” has always been concerned regarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau. Only by working together and working together can “one country, two systems” be stable and far-reaching. Realizing the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of the compatriots on both sides of the strait.” I sincerely hope that all Chinese sons and daughters will join hands to create a bright future for the Chinese nation. Regarding this, the MAC stated that it has noticed the routine New Year’s speeches of the Chinese Communist Party leaders and their established policies and propositions towards Taiwan. The Beijing authorities should give priority to improving the people’s livelihood, economy, and human rights in the face of the current global situation and the complex internal and external challenges. In response to the issue of freedom, and in response to the international community’s requirements for abiding by international rules and order, it should also adjust its stubborn thinking and methods of intimidating and intimidating Taiwan in order to deal with cross-strait relations in a pragmatic way.
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Analysis: Xi Jinping’s New Year’s Message – A Reiteration of China’s Unwavering Stance on Taiwan
As the clock struck midnight, ushering in the year 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year’s message that was met with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. The message, though brief, was significant in its implications for cross-strait relations between China and Taiwan.
In his message, Xi Jinping stated that the realization of the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of the compatriots on both sides of the strait. This statement, though not unexpected, reiterates China’s long-standing position on Taiwan – that it is an integral part of China and will eventually be reunified under the “one country, two systems” framework.
However, the Ministry of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) of Taiwan responded swiftly, calling on the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party to adopt a more peaceful and equal approach to cross-strait interactions. The MAC emphasized the importance of promoting dialogue under the framework of “Democracy, Dialogue” and reiterated President Tsai Ing-wen’s “four persistences” – adherence to a democratic constitutional system, non-subordination of the two sides of the strait, non-infringement and annexation of sovereignty, and the determination of Taiwan’s future by its people.
This exchange of words between China and Taiwan highlights the deep-seated differences between the two sides. While China views Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunified, Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign nation with its own distinct identity and democratic system.
The fact that Xi Jinping’s message did not mention Taiwan or the United States explicitly is noteworthy. It suggests that China is adopting a more nuanced approach to cross-strait relations, recognizing that the Taiwan issue is complex and multifaceted. However, the underlying message remains the same – China is committed to reunifying Taiwan, with or without the consent of the Taiwanese people.
In response to China’s stance, the MAC’s emphasis on promoting cross-strait interaction under the framework of “Democracy, Dialogue” is significant. It reflects Taiwan’s determination to engage with China on its own terms, rather than being dictated to by Beijing. The “four persistences” proposed by President Tsai Ing-wen are a clear articulation of Taiwan’s red lines, and the MAC’s reiteration of these principles sends a strong signal to China that Taiwan will not compromise on its sovereignty and democratic values.
Xi Jinping’s New Year’s message is a reiteration of China’s unwavering stance on Taiwan. While China’s approach to cross-strait relations may be evolving, its ultimate goal remains the same – to reunify Taiwan under the “one country, two systems” framework. The response from Taiwan’s MAC reflects the determination of the Taiwanese government to engage with China on its own terms and to defend its sovereignty and democratic values. The prospects for cross-strait relations in the year ahead look set to be tense and unpredictable, with the potential for further escalation or conciliation hanging precariously in the balance.
