Taiwan's KMT Considers 'Peaceful Unification' Discourse Proposal

A proposal within Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party has sparked discussion about the sensitive issue of cross-strait relations, suggesting the party should actively develop a discourse on "peaceful unification." The proposal, put forth by Central Review Committee member Wei Po-tao during the party's 22nd committee meeting, argues that while unification has long been a political taboo in Taiwan, public opinion is not static and can change with evolving circumstances.

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In the political spectrum, since there are forces advocating for Taiwan independence, there should also be voices advocating for unification. It's just that for a long time, everyone has been worried about losing votes by talking about unification, so they have always avoided discussing it.

Wei's proposal emphasizes that just as there are forces advocating for Taiwan's independence, there should be voices supporting unification. He contends that the current political landscape, where both major parties largely advocate for maintaining the status quo, is unsustainable. The proposal highlights the growing economic and military power disparity favoring mainland China and the increasing international adherence to the "One China" principle.

Furthermore, the proposal points to Taiwan's internal challenges, including low wages, high inflation, labor shortages, and industrial imbalances. It suggests that these issues, combined with increasing pressure from the mainland, may lead to growing support for peaceful unification through negotiation as a means to protect Taiwanese interests. Wei also notes that recent polls indicate a public desire for increased cross-strait exchange and improved relations, with some support for peaceful negotiations under appropriate conditions.

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The current status quo itself is dynamic and cannot be maintained forever. To ignore this is no different from covering one's ears while stealing a bell.

Even some groups traditionally advocating for independence are reportedly beginning to discuss the possibility of peace talks under specific circumstances, signaling a potential shift in the discourse surrounding unification. The proposal urges the KMT to seize the current moment, while Taiwan still holds economic and technological advantages, to formulate a framework for peaceful unification that preserves existing lifestyles, economic benefits, and social order. The KMT's think tank has been tasked with further researching the proposal, which aims to define clear negotiation conditions, bottom lines, and bargaining chips to ensure the maximum benefit for the Taiwanese people in any future unification process.

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With the changes in the global situation, the cross-strait power balance has gradually shifted towards the mainland. The One China principle has become the international mainstream, with most countries establishing diplomatic relations with the mainland, and Taiwan facing increasing restrictions in international organizations and affairs.