What’s new: Beijing reaffirmed that Taiwan could adopt a different social system than the Chinese mainland and would “fully respect” the lifestyle of the island’s people after reunification, as long as China’s sovereignty, security and development interests were ensured.
The central government would also protect the private property, religious beliefs and lawful rights of Taiwan’s residents, said Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.
Zhu made the remarks at a press briefing on Wednesday after being asked to elaborate on comments that Taiwan Affairs Office director Song Tao recently made about the potential benefits of reunification between the mainland and the self-run island.
The mainland can help Taiwan solve certain issues such as water and electricity shortages, Zhu said, adding that improved economic ties with the mainland could help Taiwan create a more stable supply chain.
The background: Song was appointed head of the Taiwan Affairs Office in December. During a meeting with Taiwanese entrepreneurs last week, he reportedly said whatever the people of Taiwan want after the reunification would be up for negotiation, as long as their requests don’t contradict the “One China” principle.
Beijing released a white paper on the Taiwan issue last August, promising that Taiwan could “enjoy a high degree of autonomy” as a special administrative region after reunification while stressing that differences in their social systems should not be “an obstacle to reunification or a justification for secessionism.”
Contact reporter Kelly Wang (jingzhewang@caixin.com) and editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@caixin.com)
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