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Peaceful coexistence? Sure. Closer coordination and cooperation in a socioeconomic context? Also on the table. But _integration_ with the communist PRC? Uhmm.

Peaceful coexistence? Sure. Closer coordination and cooperation in a socioeconomic context? Also on the table. But _integration_ with the communist PRC? Uhmm... yeah no, that's a pretty disingenuous characterization of the KMT side of Taiwanese politics.

clove 5y ago
It's not KMT but a different group. Those who want reunification exist and often hold powerful positions. China wants more of these people and are actively employing soft power in Taiwan to convert more to their side. I'm not sure what the intended time frame for success is, but China is in this for the long-haul. Perhaps if things goes China's way, the PRC can strike a deal with the KMT for some sort of local governance, likely along with a name and flag change - or a third party could rise up and supplant KMT. Of course, either situation would kill off the DPP.
- willbudd 5y ago
  I'm not questioning the existence of such elements in Taiwan — including some group apparently so formidable that you can't/won't even mention its name. No, what I find highly implausible is the notion that such an extreme "unification at any costs" ideology has any significant popular support. More so still in the aftermath of the PRC's recent suppressive tactics in Hong Kong. I'm sure the scenarios you hint at are indeed explored at great lengths among Beijing-funded think tank strategists, but I can't see Xi & co being naive enough to elevate such an approach as their most viable course of action.
NonEUCitizen 5y ago
PRC is currently Taiwan's #1 trading partner: https://www.worldstopexports.com/taiwans-top-import-partners/ https://www.worldstopexports.com/taiwans-top-import-partners... (I believe even South Korea and Japan export more to PRC than they do to USA)
NonEUCitizen 5y ago
Peaceful coexistence is the status quo. PRC is currently Taiwan's #1 trading partner: https://www.worldstopexports.com/taiwans-top-import-partners/ https://www.worldstopexports.com/taiwans-top-import-partners... (I believe even South Korea and Japan export more to PRC than they do to USA)
- willbudd 5y ago
  Yes, of course that's correct, and it has been like that for many years. What is your point?

clove 5y ago

It's not KMT but a different group. Those who want reunification exist and often hold powerful positions. China wants more of these people and are actively employing soft power in Taiwan to convert more to their side. I'm not sure what the intended time frame for success is, but China is in this for the long-haul. Perhaps if things goes China's way, the PRC can strike a deal with the KMT for some sort of local governance, likely along with a name and flag change - or a third party could rise up and supplant KMT. Of course, either situation would kill off the DPP.

willbudd 5y ago
I'm not questioning the existence of such elements in Taiwan — including some group apparently so formidable that you can't/won't even mention its name. No, what I find highly implausible is the notion that such an extreme "unification at any costs" ideology has any significant popular support. More so still in the aftermath of the PRC's recent suppressive tactics in Hong Kong. I'm sure the scenarios you hint at are indeed explored at great lengths among Beijing-funded think tank strategists, but I can't see Xi & co being naive enough to elevate such an approach as their most viable course of action.

NonEUCitizen 5y ago

PRC is currently Taiwan's #1 trading partner: https://www.worldstopexports.com/taiwans-top-import-partners/ https://www.worldstopexports.com/taiwans-top-import-partners... (I believe even South Korea and Japan export more to PRC than they do to USA)

NonEUCitizen 5y ago

Peaceful coexistence is the status quo. PRC is currently Taiwan's #1 trading partner: https://www.worldstopexports.com/taiwans-top-import-partners/ https://www.worldstopexports.com/taiwans-top-import-partners... (I believe even South Korea and Japan export more to PRC than they do to USA)

willbudd 5y ago
Yes, of course that's correct, and it has been like that for many years. What is your point?