China released a white paper offering Taiwan the option to coexist as “one country” with “two systems.”
The paper is called “The Taiwan Question and China’s Reunification in the New Era.” It asserts that Taiwan has always been a part of China and the Communist Party of China (CPC) is committed to national reunification.
“Japan’s 50-year occupation of Taiwan epitomized this humiliation and inflicted agony on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. Our two sides face each other just across a strip of water, yet we are still far apart. The fact that we have not yet been reunified is a scar left by history on the Chinese nation. We Chinese on both sides should work together to achieve reunification and heal this wound.”
It goes on: “National reunification is the only way to avoid the risk of Taiwan being invaded and occupied again by foreign countries, to foil the attempts of external forces to contain China, and to safeguard the sovereignty, security, and development interests of our country.”
China promises that “after peaceful reunification, Taiwan may continue its current social system and enjoy a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the law.”
The paper refers to “separatists forces” trying to lure Taiwan away. It doesn’t mention NATO but surely that is implied. This offer comes just days after China ceased military activity in the region and took this approach to offer solutions on paper. Reuters reports that Taiwan has already rejected this offer but gives very little detail. I don’t think this is the end of this discussion if there is to be any discussion.
