Describing “one country,two systems” as reflecting the Chinese wisdom of “inclusiveness and tolerance”,China’s state council said that after unification,Taiwan would be allowed to implement a social system that was different from that of the mainland and “continue to operate under a high degree of autonomy”.
The same commitment was made to Hong Kong in 1997 but the semi-autonomous region has since had dozens of pro-democracy leaders thrown in jail,newspapers shut down,and patriotic education enforced through national security laws.
The state council said peaceful unification would allow Taiwan to integrate into China’s economic and social development but warned that resistance could cause it to be taken by force. Taiwan has vowed to remain separate from China,a position endorsed by the vast majority of its citizens.
“We will not renounce the use of force,and we reserve the option of taking all necessary measures,” the state council white paper said. “Use of force would be the last resort taken under compelling circumstances.”
China has encircled Taiwan in a series of military drills and missile launches since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited last week. The US Department of Defence has not changed its estimate that China is not prepared to attack Taiwan in the next two years,but the blockade has forced Taipei to escalate its own response to the threat of invasion.
China’s ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian on Wednesday told the National Press Club that he preferred “not to use the word invasion” when talking about a potential military conflict between China and Taiwan.