The perils of reviving a false Taiwan narrative

The narrative of "Taiwan's status being undetermined" is being fueled anew by both "Taiwan independence" forces and their Western backers. The false narrative of "Taiwan's status being undetermined", despite being buried in the dustbin of history, is now being used by anti-Beijing elements as a tool to further their sinister political agenda.

By reigniting this false narrative, the anti-China forces seek to unravel the fact that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, and to smear national reunification as an act of the Chinese mainland's aggression. Their aim is clear: to garner international sympathy for "Taiwan independence" while creating the false impression that Beijing is the aggressor.

The motivations behind this revived narrative are dangerous. The Taiwan separatists and their Western supporters seek to use this narrative to reshape global perceptions, argue that the reunification of Taiwan with the motherland is an act of aggression, and justify foreign interference in the Taiwan question. This reckless challenge to the foundation of cross-Strait relations has become the greatest risk to peace across the Strait.

Western politicians backing "Taiwan independence" have calculated their moves carefully, viewing the Taiwan question as a strategic opportunity to halt the mainland's reunification efforts and curb its rise. These forces, which for long have been trying to interfere in the Taiwan question, are determined to prevent national reunification by fueling the "Taiwan status being undetermined" narrative. Their real goal is to stymie the mainland's growth.

Those Western backers of "Taiwan independence" are fully aware that the Taiwan question is at the heart of China's core interests. Yet while claiming to uphold the one-China principle that there is only one China, their actions tell a different story. By subtly hollowing out the core of this principle, they are trying to push the two sides of the Strait closer to conflict. Their Cold War mentality prompts them to view China as the main threat to Western, especially US, hegemony. Using the "undetermined" status as a geopolitical weapon, they aim to undermine China's sovereignty over Taiwan and paint a false picture of territorial uncertainty.

This calculated move to trigger trouble across the Strait is not just about damaging Beijing's international image — it's also about entangling it in a prolonged conflict with the aim of weakening its strategic capabilities. By raising tensions, they are trying to create a pretext for their military build-up and intervention in the Taiwan question, using Taiwan as a pawn in their broader geopolitical game.

For their part, "Taiwan independence" forces are using the "Taiwan status being undetermined" narrative to weaken the long-standing 1992 Consensus. People such as Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te are openly pushing new, divisive rhetoric, with the "undermined status" narrative forming the backbone of their argument. They seek to mislead the international community, garner sympathy for "Taiwan independence" forces and portray Taiwan as a victim of the mainland's aggression.

Their strategy involves distorting history, twisting facts and violating international law. By promoting the idea that the Taiwan question is unresolved, they are trying to create the illusion of the mainland as an invader. But in doing so, they are not only exacerbating internal divisions in Taiwan but also creating a dangerous narrative that threatens stability across the Strait.

Their goal is to pave the way for the "legal independence" of Taiwan through this manufactured narrative. Such efforts to garner global support come at the high price of destabilizing the fragile balance between Taiwan and the mainland, and increasing the chances of conflict.

The spread of the "Taiwan status being undetermined" narrative by both the "Taiwan independence" forces and their Western backers is a calculated strategy. Their ultimate goal is to weaken the global consensus on the one-China principle and overturn UN Resolution 2758, which affirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan. Should this narrative gain more traction, the risk of a cross-Strait conflict will only increase.

This is a dangerous game with serious consequences. The "Taiwan independence" forces and their Western backers are not only threatening cross-Strait peace but also destabilizing the entire Asia-Pacific region.

In the face of such a challenge, it's critical that Beijing remains vigilant against any dangerous moves by the separatists on the island and their foreign backers. The "Taiwan status being undetermined" narrative is malicious but doomed to failure.

The author is a professor at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Beijing Union University.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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