Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with a delegation led by Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT), in Beijing last Friday. This historic meeting took place at a critical juncture when cross-Strait relations face complex challenges. Since the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) assumed power in Taiwan in 2016, formal communication channels across the Taiwan Strait have been completely severed, and tensions have lingered because of the DPP’s provocative moves. Cheng’s visit to the Chinese mainland, culminating in her meeting with Xi, is widely regarded as a pivotal turning point for cross-Strait relations, shifting the trajectory from confrontation to dialogue.
This meeting is of as great historical significance as the previous two meetings between the leaders of the CPC and the KMT — in 2005 and 2016. They form part of the historical coordinates for peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. Despite occurring in different contexts, the 1992 Consensus was reaffirmed as the anchor for peace in all three meetings. The latest meeting between the leaders of the two parties has opened a window for resuming institutionalized dialogue and exchanges in various areas between the two sides, injecting a crucial stabilizer into cross-Strait ties.
On Sunday morning, the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee announced a package of 10 measures aimed at promoting cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation. Upon returning to Taiwan that evening, Cheng delivered an impromptu speech at the airport, expressing her excitement that these measures will allow Taiwan residents to directly benefit from the dividends of peaceful development across the Strait, improve their livelihoods, and courageously pursue their dreams.
However, while Taiwan residents generally welcomed and expressed gratitude for the beneficial policies, the DPP authorities have once again placed their partisan interests above the overall well-being of the island. They wasted no time slinging mud at these policies.
Compatriots on both sides of the Strait share the same ethnic roots, language, culture, and bloodline. The 10 initiatives represent a monumental first step toward cross-Strait integration, carrying profound significance as an “icebreaking” move. It is worth examining this milestone from several perspectives.
The Xi-Cheng meeting has been hailed by the media as a journey of “icebreaking” and integration, drawing parallels to Lien Chan’s landmark visit to the mainland in 2005. While Lien’s visit facilitated the first meeting between CPC and KMT leaders in 60 years, the recent meeting represents another historic handshake between the leaders of the CPC and the KMT.
The fundamental prerequisite and bottom line for cross-Strait communication, exchange, and cooperation is the recognition of the one-China principle. ... Ultimately, the reality on the ground will awaken more people, helping them break free from the DPP’s information cocoon, develop an objective understanding of the mainland, and genuinely identify with the 1992 Consensus
Looking back over the past decade, cross-Strait exchanges have noticeably regressed because of the DPP authorities’ deliberate obstruction. This same decade has witnessed the mainland’s comprehensive development, transitioning from a follower to a global leader in numerous fields, thereby widening the development gap between the two sides. The DPP authorities’ perverse actions over these years have gradually awakened Taiwan residents to the stark reality that peace yields dividends, while secessionist advocacy only bears bitter fruit.
The global political and economic landscape is currently undergoing profound changes. In the past, narratives or phrases such as “the US-led NATO” and “the US-led West” have flooded the media. Today, the US is gradually losing its authority as a global leader. The incumbent US administration has ruthlessly exploited other countries for the sake of its own interests, including its own allies, and US allies have openly refused to follow Washington into the war against Iran. In this broader context, the DPP authorities’ attempt to promote “Taiwan independence” by leveraging Washington’s support is nothing but delusion. Their anti-reunification narratives have been increasingly questioned by people on the island, paving the way for peaceful reunification.
Centered on the goal of integrated development, the 10 new measures accurately respond to Taiwan compatriots’ genuine desire for peace, development, exchange, and cooperation. Covering dialogues, livelihoods, economic integration, cultural exchanges, and personnel visits, these measures construct a comprehensive and multidimensional framework for integrated development across the Strait.
While many might view these beneficial policies through the lens of practicality, their significance runs much deeper. They represent a systematic masterstroke aimed at advancing integrated development and easing cross-Strait tensions, reflecting the central government’s strategic shift from merely preventing “Taiwan independence” to actively promoting cross-Strait integration. Since taking office, the DPP authorities have refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus, pushed for “de-Sinicization”, and colluded with external forces to promote secessionism with provocative moves, resulting in the suspension of cross-Strait consultations and obstructed exchanges. Today, while remaining resolute in opposing “Taiwan independence”, the central government is vigorously championing integrated development.
Although the DPP authorities’ hostility and boycott poses challenges to the implementation of these measures, a broader perspective reveals their profound potential impact on the island’s political ecology. Over the years, the DPP’s political manipulation has nearly paralyzed the once-convenient cross-Strait “one-day living circle”, leading to stagnant agricultural and fishery sales, a depressed tourism industry, and limited opportunities for youth development in Taiwan. The mainland’s new beneficial measures arrive like rain after a long drought. Should the DPP deliberately obstruct these opportunities, it will inevitably lose public support. As the mainland establishes direct connections with grassroots communities in Taiwan through party-to-party platforms, the DPP authorities’ cross-Strait policies will lead to further marginalization.
The fundamental prerequisite and bottom line for cross-Strait communication, exchange, and cooperation is the recognition of the one-China principle. The turmoil of recent years has made it increasingly clear to Taiwan residents that the DPP’s antagonistic stance only renders the Taiwan Strait more perilous and suffocates the island’s economy, serving as a powerful negative example. Ultimately, the reality on the ground will awaken more people, helping them break free from the DPP’s information cocoon, develop an objective understanding of the mainland, and genuinely identify with the 1992 Consensus.
The author is vice-chairman of the Committee on Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the Hong Kong New Era Development Thinktank.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
