Beijing hails Taiwanese scholar’s rare proposal on reunification
Beijing has hailed a “one country, two systems” proposal by a Taiwanese scholar in a rare official statement on an issue regarded as politically sensitive on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. “We are pleased to see that more and more Taiwan compatriots are facing up to reunification, beginning to understand and discuss the specific content of a one country, two systems plan for Taiwan, and…
Mainland China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Chen Binhua has commented favorably on a "one country, two systems" proposal put forward by Taiwanese scholar Li Ci-ze. Chen recognized that more Taiwanese people are beginning to delve into the specifics and suggest ideas for such a reunification plan. Li's proposal, submitted to a mainland social media platform in late August, outlines how Taiwan could maintain its democratic institutions and political parties after reunification.
The plan also proposes that Taiwan not join foreign military alliances or deploy long-range weapons that could threaten the mainland. Beijing has long advocated for Taiwan's reunification under the one country, two systems framework, but has never detailed how Taiwan would be governed under this arrangement. Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed exploring this approach in 2019.
Li's proposal has sparked discussion in mainland China, with state media highlighting its alignment with Taiwanese society's concerns about preserving democratic institutions and national sovereignty. However, the proposal also emphasizes the need for trust between Taiwan and mainland China, drawing parallels with the situation in Hong Kong.
Despite the proposal's reception, a 2024 opinion poll in Taiwan showed that more than 85% of respondents oppose the one country, two systems concept.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
