Keeping on the strait and narrow

China’s not planning any big changes to its Taiwan policy.

On Monday – two days after the elections in Taiwan – the Party’s top journal, Qiushi, published statements by Xi Jinping made at the July 29, 2022 United Front Work Conference.

Xi said:

• "[We must] do well in the work of winning hearts and minds in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas,…and unify patriotic forces in Taiwan.”

The timing of publication was not accidental. It was meant to send a message of continuity on China’s policy towards Taiwan.

In case officials missed the memo, on Tuesday Qiushi published an editorial by the United Front Work Department stating:

• “[We must] deepen the economic and social integration and development across the Taiwan Strait, unite Taiwan compatriots at home and abroad, steadily advance efforts against separatism and in favor of reunification, and cultivate a solid public opinion foundation for supporting and pursuing national unity.”

Get smart: The fact that the independence-leaning DPP lost significant vote share in the election is proof to some in Beijing that their current Taiwan policy is working.

• That means Beijing will continue to try and isolate the DPP while making it easier for Taiwanese to live and work on the mainland.
• It also means that forceful reunification is not on the cards (for now).