(Preview of the Two Sessions) Responding to the new situation in the Taiwan Strait and taking the strategic initiative

　　China News Service, Beijing, February 29th: Coping with the new situation in the Taiwan Strait and taking strategic initiative

　　Author Zhu He

　　At the beginning of 2024, the severe and complex situation in the Taiwan Strait continues, and uncertainties increase.

How can the mainland continue to maintain strategic focus and shape a situation conducive to peaceful cross-strait reunification?

What’s new in the “toolbox” for countering “Taiwan independence”?

What new signals will be released around promoting exchanges and integration?

Outside observers believe that the issue of cross-Strait relations will receive much attention at the upcoming National Two Sessions.

The file picture shows red flags waving in Tiananmen Square.

Photo by China News Service reporter Liu Zhen

Make predictions about rising risks and be proactive

　　Lai Ching-te, the newly elected leader of the Taiwan authorities, will take office in May.

Since the beginning of this year, the Democratic Progressive Party authorities have continued their stubborn "Taiwan independence" line. Political confrontation across the Taiwan Strait may further intensify, and the risk of conflict has increased.

Since February, relevant authorities in Taiwan have continued to trigger strong backlash from cross-strait public opinion in the suspension of tour groups to the mainland and the vicious ship collision on "2.14".

　　Zhang Wensheng, deputy dean of the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, pointed out in an interview with a reporter from China News Service that anti-"Taiwan independence" and anti-secession issues will be the focus of Taiwan-related issues during this year's two sessions.

"As for the adventurous act of 'Taiwan independence', the mainland will not leave any room for compromise and will resolutely fight back." Zhang Wensheng said that as long as the pace is steady, the dominance and initiative in cross-strait relations will still be firmly in the hands of the mainland.

Li Zhenguang, deputy dean of the Taiwan Institute at Beijing Union University, believes that given the mainland's development and progress and its strong strength in opposing "Taiwan independence" and anti-secession, the basic pattern of cross-strait relations that is conducive to reunification has generally not changed, and various risks are still within the foreseeable range.

　　It should also be noted that the external environment facing both sides of the Taiwan Strait is becoming more complex.

As the 2024 presidential election in the United States begins, the "Taiwan card" that can attract voters may bring more tests to cross-strait relations.

But the key to undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait remains the "Taiwan independence" forces on the island.

　　The mainland should predict this, maintain strategic focus, and actively guide cross-strait relations to develop in the direction of cooperation, exchanges, and stability.

Sheng Jiuyuan, director of the Taiwan Studies Center at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, pointed out that the mainland's position and attitude on the Taiwan issue will become increasingly firm in the future and will not give in in the face of the DPP's provocation of "relying on the United States and seeking independence."

　　As Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, emphasized when attending the Munich Security Conference in February, the Taiwan issue is 100% China's internal affair.

To adhere to the one-China principle, we should support China's peaceful reunification; to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, we must resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence."

　　Promote exchanges and increase efforts to comply with public opinion

　　Looking back on the past year, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have emerged from the haze of the COVID-19 epidemic, and people-to-people exchanges are booming. Many people of insight have traveled across the sea to solve the problem of resuming the import of Kinmen sorghum wine, Taitung custard apples, etc. into the mainland. The annual cross-Strait trade volume reached 2678.36 billion US dollars, maintaining a high level, and the mainland remains Taiwan’s largest source of trade surplus.

　　Cross-Strait non-governmental exchanges have been restored to a considerable extent. Li Zhenguang pointed out that this trend will not only be maintained this year, but will also continue to expand.

Despite the obstacles faced by the Taiwan authorities, the pace of cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges will not stop. The resumption of exchanges in various fields such as culture, religion, academics, economics and trade is the general trend and mainstream public opinion in Taiwan.

　　During the National Two Sessions, we are expected to see more new suggestions, new ideas, and new plans for cross-Strait exchange activities from representatives and committee members.

　　Deepen integration, be practical and show sincerity

　　The "Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Supporting Fujian in Exploring a New Road for Cross-Strait Integrated Development and Building a Cross-Strait Integrated Development Demonstration Zone" was issued in September last year. How to implement relevant policies and whether more benefits will be released is expected to be a hot topic during the National Two Sessions. .

　　Li Zhenguang said that promoting cross-strait integration and development in a practical and detailed manner will help win over the hearts and minds of the Taiwanese people; and the DPP authorities' "Taiwan independence" adventure will also be affected by public opinion and will help stabilize the situation across the Taiwan Strait.

　　Relevant measures have begun to appear in the local two sessions held at the beginning of the year.

For example, Fujian Province will accelerate the construction of a cross-Strait integrated development demonstration zone; Jiangsu Province will continue to strengthen the construction of a pilot zone for deepening cross-Strait industrial cooperation in Kunshan; Dongguan, Guangdong will "seize the major opportunity to deepen cross-Strait innovation and development cooperation" and accelerate the planning of "Guangzhou-Taiwan high-tech characteristic industries" Park", exploring the creation of a professional exhibition for Taiwan-related electronics...

　　Sheng Jiuyuan pointed out that this year is a critical year for the mainland to achieve the goals and tasks of the "14th Five-Year Plan". Many places on the mainland, including coastal provinces, hope to provide development opportunities for Taiwan compatriots so that they can better participate in Chinese-style modernization.

　　He analyzed that the Pearl River Delta region is at the forefront of mainland China's opening up and is deeply involved in the operation of the global manufacturing industry chain. It can use this as a platform to attract Taiwan-funded enterprises to the world; in the process of connecting with the Yangtze River Delta region, Taiwan-funded enterprises can develop towards high quality. Through transformation, Taiwanese youth can also find a broad stage to realize their ideals.

　　It is exciting to see how the representative members collided with wisdom during the two sessions and put forward innovative suggestions and creative methods to make the development of cross-strait relations smoother.

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