Mainland China ramps up integration push with local Taiwan affairs offices in Fujian

Fujian will also roll out policies to support Taiwanese people who seek education and work in the province, Communist Party official says

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A tourist in Fujian’s Pingtan county poses with a monument representing mainland China and Taiwan. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:01pm, 13 Jan 2025Updated: 5:49pm, 13 Jan 2025

Several counties in Fujian province have established Taiwan affairs offices, signalling more intense efforts by Beijing to integrate the island with mainland China.

“[We] have established separate Taiwan affairs offices in all counties with significant Taiwan-related responsibilities,” said Zhou Qingsong, director of the organisation office of the Fujian provincial committee of the Communist Party.

While some provinces have their own Taiwan affairs offices, it is unusual to have these offices at the county level.

Writing in the state-run magazine China Institutional Organisation last week, Zhou said the move was part of an institutional reform to strengthen the cross-strait affairs system.

“Going forward, [we] will take institutional reforms into consideration to guide municipalities and counties to effectively improve the development of Taiwan affairs offices and reinforce their respective responsibilities,” he said.

Because of its proximity to Taiwan, Fujian has become a test bed for mainland China’s push for economic, social and political integration with the island.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force, if necessary. The United States, like most countries, does not recognise the self-governed island as an independent state but it is opposed to any attempt to take it by force and is legally bound to arm it for defence.