China ‘must use its strengths’ to curb pro-independence forces in Taiwan
- Wang Yang, a member of the top leadership body, says containing separatism and promoting integration are key priorities for the Communist Party’s centenary
- Unlike last year he does not explicitly mention ‘peaceful reunification’ and analysts say Beijing wants wiggle room ahead of Joe Biden’s presidency
Wang Yang, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, China’s top leadership body, told officials from the mainland’s Taiwan Affairs Office to work to promote cross-strait unity and respond quickly to the “grave and complicated” situation, according to a report by the party mouthpiece People’s Daily.
However, unlike last year’s meeting he did not explicitly refer to the “peaceful unification of Taiwan” or the “one country, two systems” model.
He told the office’s annual two-day work meeting, which finished on Monday: “We must use the increasing strengths and significant advantages in our system effectively when handling Taiwan affairs.”
Wang reiterated the mainland’s determination to “resolutely curb” the self-ruled island’s independence-leaning forces, urging officials to fight “separatist activities and interference by external forces, actively promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-strait relations” and “celebrate the founding of the party with outstanding achievements”.
