中 "Unification Achievement"... Taiwan "Authoritarianism and Democracy Cannot Coexist"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] When a top Chinese leader mentioned the "great cause of national reunification" to the second-in-command of Taiwan's opposition party, the Taiwanese authorities drew a clear line, stating that "authoritarianism and democracy cannot coexist."

According to the June 11 edition of the People's Daily, Wang Huning, the 4th-ranked member of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo Standing Committee, met with Sha Liyan, the vice chairman of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang, who was visiting China the day before. Wang said, "We will unite with the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots to jointly achieve the historic cause of national reunification and national rejuvenation."

Wang also added, "Taiwan independence and peace cannot coexist like water and fire, and it is completely contrary to the welfare of Taiwan compatriots."

He emphasized, "No one values the aspirations of Taiwan compatriots for peace, well-being, and prosperity more than we do," and stated, "The two parties, the Kuomintang (Taiwan) and the Communist Party of China, should further consolidate the '1992 Consensus' (which embodies the 'One China' principle), deepen mutual trust on the common political foundation opposing Taiwan independence, maintain positive interactions, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation."

Wang further said, "We firmly oppose separatist forces seeking Taiwan independence and interference from external forces, safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, promote peaceful development and exchanges and cooperation across the strait, and work together for the happiness of compatriots on both sides and national rejuvenation."

In response, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, the organization responsible for China-related affairs, stated on its website that "the Beijing authorities continue to pose political, military, and economic threats to Taiwan, act against the welfare of the Taiwanese people, and furthermore harm regional peace."

The Mainland Affairs Council also conveyed, "The fact that 'the expansion of authoritarian and autocratic politics' and 'democracy, peace, and stability' cannot coexist is a globally recognized truth and a major reason why the international community actively engages with Taiwan."

The council added, "Cross-strait exchanges must be based on reason, equality, and mutual respect, and should further pursue practical communication, mutual understanding, and resolution of differences," emphasizing, "Senior officials of the Chinese Communist Party should not use the opportunity for healthy exchanges in the 'post-COVID' era as a tool for political propaganda and united front tactics of 'divide and rule' that the Taiwanese people reject, but should consider constructive, meaningful, and practical approaches."