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Taiwan reunification with China 'inevitable,' says Xi

44 Comments
By Fred Dufour

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44 Comments
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Cool! Does this mean Xi will resign in the face of Taiwan democratic parties?

9 ( +10 / -1 )

If China plays it's cards right, there's really not going to be much the world can do about it. Any kind of military action would not go unanswered but they could influence Taiwan elections and get pro China people in office. Then it will be over.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

unification under a "one country, two systems"

Once unified, China would immediately begin sabotaging Taiwan's system. Just look at what it's doing to Hong Kong.

Xi is nothing but an absolutist authoritarian.

14 ( +17 / -3 )

Xi is nothing but an absolutist authoritarian.

True, but what about Abe and Trump?

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

Bushido Japan must re-establish full diplomatic ties with the most Nippon friendly nation on earth to save it from being colonized by the PRC.

Tokyo must not act like Washington which betrayed the people of ROC-TW when it jettisoned the democratic country in favor of communist China.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Once unified, China would immediately begin sabotaging Taiwan's system. Just look at what it's doing to Hong Kong.

Xi is nothing but an absolutist authoritarian.

I don’t usually agree with you on anything, but on this one, you are 100% right.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

An open "threat" to Taiwan and their President's warning about Chinese influence within Taiwan.

The entire world is aware of today's China's motives... and have experienced the major threat to the entire world and not just Taiwan... The problem is not just with XI... the entire Chinese population appear to be extremely offensive and disregard the integrity and rights of other people in the world. It has come to a point and level where there is not just caution but no trust in what any Chinese person may say... as their actions have proven to be harmful to the local population and their society and culture.

The problem seems to be that too many people of the world are unaware and insensitive to the direct and covert actions of the Chinese people in China and abroad. In every city there is China town that is totally "independent" of the local society, only open for commercial interest and selling goods to make a profit from the local population.

Interestingly, older established Chinese societies in the word are weary of the new Chinese population moving into their area... and are bound only by their ancestral connection. But then, they are also "proud" of the Chinese resurgence as the "power" to be recognized. (Call it racial pride and an opportunity to "ride" on the wave to wealth and power.) And most are primarily interested in wealth and power and not so much social integration and assimilation.

Xi wants Taiwan as a base for its Pacific interests economically and militarily.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

the entire Chinese population appear to be extremely offensive and disregard the integrity and rights of other people in the world. It has come to a point and level where there is not just caution but no trust in what any Chinese person may say

Erm, no.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Erm, no.

Yeah. It's important to separate people from their government. If they then show themselves to be mouthpieces of that government, you can treat them as such. But attributing the actions of a government to the people, particularly dictatorships without elections where the people have had no say in their government, is straight-up bigotry. Everyone deserves a chance on their own individual merits. That doesn't mean you can't criticize their government, or criticize the person if they end up being worthy of criticism. But it's not right to attribute actions in which they have had no say to their person.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

In every city there is China town that is totally "independent" of the local society, only open for commercial interest and selling goods to make a profit from the local population.

Um, yeah. We call those area Chinatown, and people love going there. The one in Yokohama is always busy. What exactly is the problem with Chinatowns?

5 ( +7 / -2 )

*"China must and will be united... which is an inevitable requirement for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese people in the new era,"*

What is Chinese people? This must be answered first. It's far from what Jew is.

Depending on what it is, Japanese people could be more Chinese people than Tibetan people, Uighur、Mongolian.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I call this clear aggression. Xi is really blowing himself up, full with hostile confidence. Looks a bit like a blow fish too. Wants it all, thinks he owns the world. A danger to world peace.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Interestingly, older established Chinese societies in the word are weary of the new Chinese population moving into their area... and are bound only by their ancestral connection. But then, they are also "proud" of the Chinese resurgence as the "power" to be recognized. (Call it racial pride and an opportunity to "ride" on the wave to wealth and power.) And most are primarily interested in wealth and power and not so much social integration and assimilation.

Xi wants Taiwan as a base for its Pacific interests economically and militarily

When you cut through all the mustard this is really what this whole thing is all about. I would even go further to say that’s it’s more militarily than anything else predominantly.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Why would a Free country wish to join one of oppression that has a culture of corruption right to the head ?

If China does invade Taiwan, then it will be interesting to see what happens next.

I think I may decide to pack my bags and head off for a long vacation on an island far from anywhere.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I call this clear aggression. Xi is really blowing himself up, full with hostile confidence. Looks a bit like a blow fish too. Wants it all, thinks he owns the world. A danger to world peace.

I’m not sure about the world, but he thinks China owns Taiwan.

Unfortunately, I think he’s right about this being inevitable.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

If Xi and the Communist PRC think it is inevitable that they take over a peace-loving, democratic, independant Nation like the ROC, he is in for the fight of his life.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

If China does invade Taiwan, then it will be interesting to see what happens next. 

I think if that were to happen, the conflict and outcome would be extremely bloody and violent. Crimea went rather smoothly given the circumstances, Taiwan will put up a massive assault, but at least now we know Xi and his true intentions

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Just imagine a concerted defense put up followed by guerilla warfare, it will be bloody & there will be no outright winner. The Chinese diaspora around the world will be mobilized into the fight. Again, no winner here.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

When China can offer the freedoms that Taiwan already enjoys, then Taiwan and China may decide to unite. Until then, Taiwan will reject the communist regime. Would Hong Kong have willingly given up its freedom if it were not threatened with invasion? What about the promises of autonomy made to Hong Kong? It took less than 20 years for those promises to be broken. Taiwan can expect no more than what Hong Kong got......false promises and a lowering of the living standard.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Having been to Mainland China and Taiwan several times, I really hope Taiwan can keep their independence.

Japan really needs to work with South Korea, Taiwan, the South East Asia and South Pacific nations to at least put up some resistance to the growing threat of China. The last time an asian nation started acting this way it was pretty bad for the world....

3 ( +6 / -3 )

I think Trump is far too compromised to do anything about it if Taiwan were to be invaded. He has too many business dealings in China. Trump linked companies were granted 18 trademarks in November. He has too much to lose to save a whole country from China. I think the Chinese government knows this too and if they take action it will be before the 2020 election. It is worrying he escalation and silence from Washington. If Taiwan goes, so do the Senkakus.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

"China must and will be united... which is an inevitable requirement for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese people in the new era," Xi said in a speech 

Inevitable? Delusional, arrogant , communist despot. What does Taiwan’s ability for self determination have to do with the Chinese people? Is it a bad example? Is it the terrifying concept of sovereignty that keeps you awake at night Mr Xi?

May wanna check with the Taiwanese people before you demand and determine what is inevitable. The free world must rally behind Taiwan in support. Make these bullies lose face, cause that’s what they hate more than anything.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Actually I agree, agree that it is inevitable that we have one ruling committee for the Planet to manage what we are doing Globally, sovereign and national has got us deeply divided with no strategy for the fish and the forests which are getting depleted on a country by country level, and really humans work more smoothly together with one language.

China or something similar looks more capable than the Americas, so yes Taiwan is next, do you have a better suggestion ?

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Will, be very careful what you wish for. It just might come true. You wanna give communism the benefit of the doubt yet again? May wanna check out the history of 20th century for reference. Deaths in the 10s ( maybe 100s no one really knows ) of millions.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Xi is warmongering

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Will Goode

And China is so good at not polluting the Earth. I would look to another example. Xi's arrogance is sickening.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Ever been to Taiwan? The people are very different from the people of mainland china. Hell, they even have different passports! Taiwan is a different country. The Taiwanese people have worked hard collectively to get where they are politically and most want nothing to do with xi's repressive china. They want their deserved freedom and need the countries of the world to stand with them in this continued pursuit. Taiwan is Taiwan and china is a bully.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Don't think China is going to annex Taiwan anytime soon tbh. 

Interestingly Tsai didn't use the word 'independence' but only talked about respecting Taiwanese freedom, values etc. Some sort of 'Chinese overseas territory' status could work for both China & Taiwan (and the rest of the world).

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I definitely don't think that would ever happen. Even if China becomes the most democratic, free-loving nation on Earth, Taiwan has been independent for over 50 years now, and have developed their own identity.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

What democratic Taiwan ? It is a joke. Tsai has no right to exploit Taiwan people for her own benefits. Want democracy ? Respect 1.4 billion people's right to reunion first.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

IloveCoffee, what own identity ? Does any single so call Taiwanese become a coffee bean ?

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

And cue the China apologist...

Yes it has its own identity, and its certainly far preferable for me in my experience of China and Taiwan, hands down, no questions. (I can even visit the websites I want there...)

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Xi has made things better for most Chinese on the mainland, but has much farther to go to come anywhere near the prosperity of Taiwan per capita.

Free people have better lives.

Freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of religion, freedom of travel all matter.

A single-party political system controlling highly restricted markets just can't compete.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Didn't the US annex Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, Guam, Samoa..... The US is still occupying Japan, Iraq, Afghanistan. Washington need to allow China and Taiwan, and North and South Korea to settle their differences without US interference.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

China will annex Taiwan in the next 10-15 years and do so economically, not military. All it takes is China to announce and enforce a boycott of Taiwanese goods and boycott Taiwan in terms of tourism. Xi can unilaterally enforce a boycott with devastating potential since he's a military dictator. A military takeover is not in the cards, it would most likely trigger a military response from various actors.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Taiwanese people are friendly towards Japan and share similar interests.

If a war breaks out we should take in as many Taiwanese as possible.

CCP maybe you'll have Taiwan under your rule again one day, but you'll never have the Taiwanese people. Only the land you destroyed with all those missiles and bombs pointed at the island.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If they're allowed to take Taiwan, they'll of course they can take Okinawa too.

Good LUCK with THAT Spongebob.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

As the Chinese people tire of being dominated by authoritarian kleptocrats, provinces will leave the PRC one by one and rejoin the ROC. Just as the DDR dissolved into the BRD, one land at a time.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

As China gets militarily more powerful Taiwan can expect more of these overt threats against them. I agree with a previous posters assessment - Nixon should have never sold out Taiwan for the Red Chinese. Huge strategic miscalculation whose full impact is yet to be seen.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

"one China" no no PRC needs to be split into 6~7 different sovereign states at least

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Washington need to allow China and Taiwan, and North and South Korea to settle their differences without US interference.

If South Korea and Taiwan ask for US help, then it is not US interference - it's South Korea and Taiwan asking for help

Ex: if you ask for help to a police officer in a dispute, it's not police interference - it's you asking the police for help

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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