A series of statements, articles, photos and even a new national holiday indicate a shift in Beijing’s stance over the island, analysts say
In recent weeks China has released a series of statements, articles and photos, that analysts say signal an escalation in the ruling Chinese Communist Party’s approach to Taiwan.
Beijing claims Taiwan as a province and has vowed to annex it under what it terms “reunification”. China’s military is not believed to be capable of a full invasion yet, but senior officials have recently started using sharper language.
A series of “explainer” articles in state media in October outlined how Taiwan would be governed under Chinese rule: by vetted pro-China “patriots” in a “one country two systems” regime similar to that instituted in Hong Kong and Macau. Such a proposal has long been rejected by Taiwan, particularly after Hong Kong’s crushing of the “high degree of autonomy” the regime promised.
“The aim is to belittle Taiwan’s international standing, and Hong Kong-ify and Macau-ify Taiwan, to achieve the political objective of eliminating Taiwan’s sovereignty,” said the head of Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, Tsai Ming-yen of the articles.
