While a “high degree of autonomy as a special administrative region” is guaranteed, the white paper conveniently skips mentioning the implementation of a looser form of One Country, Two Systems in Taiwan than in Macau and Hong Kong, which had been promised in the 2000 white paper. Moreover, there is silence on the fate of those not in support of unification. A glimpse of this is reflected in a later statement which reads that all Taiwanese “compatriots” in support of unification would become “masters of the region”, indicating the decisive role that Beijing would play (“With a powerful motherland in support” in Taiwan’s post-unification politics. The paper explicitly claims “Two Systems is subordinate to and derives from One Country” thus emboldening Beijing while leaving little space for Taiwanese authorities to manoeuvre. While peaceful reunification is defined as the “first choice”, the paper states that China “will not renounce the use of force, and we reserve the option of taking all necessary measures” … “This is to guard against external interference and all separatist activities.” The possibility of using military force is reinforced by citing the example of China’s participation in the Korean War (1950–53) against the US-led United Nations forces when, the paper claims, “We defeated a powerful and well-armed enemy through gallantry and tenacity.”Īnother striking feature of the 2022 white paper is the redefined “One Country, Two Systems” formula previously used as a phrase to imply special status. In case prospects for a better future fail to lure, the paper assertively reminds that with its enhanced strength, China has both “greater capabilities” and a “solid foundation” to achieve its ends. While peaceful reunification is defined as the “first choice”, the paper states that China “will not renounce the use of force, and we reserve the option of taking all necessary measures”.īoasting of China’s growing economic, technological and military strength, the paper states that unification would not only prove to be beneficial to the Taiwanese in terms of an elevated economic and international stature. It states that if not unified with China, Taiwan will be used as a “pawn” in foreign efforts to “contain China” (a phrase that appears five times in the document), with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration in Taiwan and the United States identified as the chief perpetrators. The paper presents in starkly realist terms. The urgency of resolving the issue is further emphasised by stating “we should not allow this problem to be passed down from one generation to the next.”
The document is not only the first white paper on Taiwan since Xi Jinping assumed power, delivered amid the most dangerous moment in cross-Straits relations in recent decades, but also significantly departs from the strategy Beijing had defined in the previous two white papers, issued in 19.įar more assertive, elaborate and emotionally charged, the latest paper describes unification with Taiwan as “indispensable for the realisation of China’s rejuvenation”.
After a spree of military exercises to protest US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei, China has released a white paper to “reiterate” its stance on Taiwan in the “new era”.
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