[Salon] China issues white paper on Taiwan

[Chas Freeman <cwfresidence@gmail.com>]

https://mailchi.mp/cusef/china-us-express-january-3-5879481?e=c05cda21b0

August 10, 2022

China issues white paper on Taiwan

• China declared its resolution of reunification with Taiwan in a white paper published today. The country’s third white paper on Taiwan reflects unprecedented confidence in the prospect of reunification.

• The language of China’s Taiwan white papers became increasingly assertive through the years. This is reflected in the Chinese titles of the three Taiwan white papers:

  • 台湾问题与中国的统一 “The Taiwan Question and Reunification of China” (Zh/En) in 1993.

  • 一个中国的原则与台湾问题 “The One-China Principle and the Taiwan Issue” (Zh/En) in 2000

  • 台湾问题与新时代中国统一事业 "The Taiwan Question and China's Reunification in the New Era" (Zh/En) in 2022

• In the latest white paper, Beijing uses “中国的统一事业” (China’s cause of reunification) as part of the Chinese title, compared with “中国的统一” in the title of the first white paper. Adding the word “事业” shiye, or cause, implies the country is getting down to business on the Taiwan issue. The second Taiwan white paper includes the “one-China Principle” (“一个中国原则”), which is a firmer _expression_ than the title of the first but does not imply forceful actions.

• The differences are further demonstrated in the texts of the three documents. In the 1993 white paper, Beijing tried to explain its stance, seeking “the understanding and support” of the world. The 2000 white paper was issued a month before Democratic Progressive Party’s Chen Shui-bian was elected as Taiwan leader succeeding independent advocator Lee Teng-hui. That white paper was largely Taipei targeted, and Beijing was hoping for a change of Lee’s course. “Any question can be discussed under the One-China Principle,” the second white paper reads.

• This time, China’s rhetoric points to the U.S. and Tsai Ing-wen’s DPP authorities. Seemingly giving up the fantasy of reunification through friendly negotiations with Taipei, Beijing is more resolute in its wordings. “China's complete reunification is a process that cannot be halted” — this is one of the subtitles of the white paper. Most importantly, today’s white paper envisions the “bright prospects” for a “peaceful reunification,” suggesting a peaceful reunification is insight and Beijing is confident about it.