unification 結果共12筆

Discover the latest on cross-strait tensions as China’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticizes Taiwan President Lai’s inaugural speech, calling it a ＂Taiwan independence manifesto＂ and warning of severe consequences.

In a recent TAO briefing, spokesperson Chen Binhua addressed foreign media queries on Taiwan’s unification with China and the impact of the island’s local elections on cross-strait relations. The session reiterated China’s steadfast stance on unification as a core interest, despite changing political dynamics in Taiwan.

Taiwan’s 2024 general elections resulted in a third term for the DPP, reflecting a preference for stability and resistance to Beijing’s unification plans amidst significant domestic challenges and a shift in public opinion.

A report by the German think-tank Friedrich-Naumann-Foundation for Freedom (FNF) argues that the issue between Taiwan and China is ＂not unification but forced unification.＂ The report, written by National Taiwan University’s sociology Ph.D. candidate, Sie Da-wun, and FNF Global Innovation Hub’s Program Officer, Lai Yu-fen, challenges the common misinterpretation of Taiwanese political parties. They assert that assuming the Kuomintang (KMT) supports unification because it is pro-China and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supports independence because it is anti-China is an oversimplification. The report highlights that since Taiwan’s democratization, the Taiwanese people have consistently opposed ＂annexation＂ or ＂unification＂ imposed by the Beijing government.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office Director Song Tao urges Taiwan’s people to promote the peaceful unification process and return cross-strait relations to the correct track. This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the historically inevitable reunification of the motherland in his New Year’s address. The forthcoming presidential and legislative elections in Taiwan make these remarks noteworthy. Song’s message, titled ＂Keep the Direction, Forge Ahead,＂ was published in the ＂Cross-Strait Relations＂ magazine, highlighting mainland China’s strides in establishing its commanding position and initiative in cross-strait affairs in 2023. The bold declarations from China could potentially influence Taiwanese voters’ perceptions and choices at the polls.

Kuomintang (KMT) vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong has pledged to resign as chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of China (BCC) if his rival, Vice President Lai Ching-te, demolishes the allegedly illegal property owned by his family in Wanli District. Jaw criticized Lai during a live stream, questioning why Lai has not addressed his own property allegations. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has criticized Jaw for not stepping down from his BCC position after being named the KMT’s vice-presidential nominee. Jaw also expressed support for lowering the voting age to 18 and clarified his position on Taiwan’s sovereignty, stating that he opposes Taiwanese independence due to the potential risk of war, but does not advocate for unification with mainland China.

Kuomintang Chairman Eric Chu announces a narrow margin of 0.2% between the KMT’s Hou-Kang ticket and the DPP’s Lao-Hsiao ticket in the latest internal polls. Chu expresses confidence in the KMT’s ability to gain ground against the DPP. He defends the rights of non-ruling parties in Taiwan’s democratic system and criticizes attempts to confiscate opposition parties’ assets by the Ill-gotten Party Assets Settlement Committee. Chu challenges TPP candidate Ko Wen-je to assist in returning assets to retired party workers. Chu responds to Ko’s labeling of KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih as ＂pro-unification in a hurry with China＂ by asserting that anyone not supporting independence is unfairly tagged as pro-unification by the DPP.

Taiwan People’s Party candidate Ko Wen-je distinguishes himself in the Taiwan presidential race, emphasizing his lack of political burden and absence of constraints from the ＂1992 Consensus.＂ Ko aligns with President Tsai Ing-wen’s peaceful solutions stance, advocating for dignity in peace. He highlights the importance of an ＂implied guarantee＂ for genuine deterrence and references the U.S.’s position on Taiwan’s independence and dialogue. Ko pledges to neither lean towards independence nor accept forceful unification if elected. Positioned as a moderate candidate, he seeks a balanced approach to Taiwan’s complex cross-strait and international relations, appealing to voters who prioritize stability and peace.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te emphasizes his political standpoint in a Time magazine interview after registering with the Central Election Commission (CEC) alongside running mate Hsiao Bi-khim, becoming the first confirmed party pair for the 2024 presidential election. The interview coincided with the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of China’s Central Committee harshly criticizing the DPP candidates, accusing them of advocating for ＂independence upon independence.＂ Lai dismisses China’s criticisms, highlighting that Chinese officials lack experience with a national transition to democracy. He underscores the differing national visions of the opposition party Kuomintang (KMT) and the DPP, asserting the DPP’s firm commitment to safeguarding Taiwan’s sovereignty and rejecting China’s attempts at unification. During the registration, Lai and Hsiao, who have differing preferences for pets, wear badges featuring painted animal figures, symbolizing their unique cooperation. Supporters enthusiastically witness this exciting moment, demonstrating their enthusiasm for the upcoming election race.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) campaign manager Vivian Huang rejects Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih’s proposal to reconsider polling results. Huang emphasizes the importance of integrity and unification, stating that reevaluating the data would undermine the previous expert meeting. The primary objective is to present the strongest candidate and convince supporters of a fair race. Ko Wen-je questions the rationale behind redoing the evaluations, expressing confusion over the KMT’s approach. Hou suggests appointing polling experts to debate and reassess the nine previous polls.

A potential war between the United States and Beijing over Taiwan could result in crippling losses for both sides, warns the Stimson Center. The article, titled ＂Is a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan the Most Likely Scenario?＂ highlights that a unilateral declaration of independence by Taiwan might trigger ground and aerial assaults from Beijing. A military simulation by the Center for Strategic and International Studies showed that a joint defense effort from the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan could repel a Chinese invasion but at devastating costs, including the loss of ships, aircraft, and troops. The war would also impact the U.S.’s global standing, hurt Taiwan’s economy, and potentially destabilize the Chinese Communist Party’s rule. China’s aerial superiority, with a ratio of 1900 to Taiwan’s 300, could result in airstrikes, missile and cyber attacks aimed at decimating Taiwan’s defenses and critical infrastructure. Simulations predict a rapid escalation of war, including potential bombing of U.S. military bases and a reciprocal U.S. attack on Chinese bases and navy. Any concrete steps taken towards official independence by Taiwan could serve as a catalyst prompting Beijing’s decision for forceful unification.

A recent study published in the ＂Journal of Contemporary China,＂ conducted by scholars from Singapore and Shanghai, reveals that more than half of Mainland Chinese support using force to unify Taiwan.