Taiwan could gain greater autonomy under peaceful reunification with China, scholars say
Quick Look
Seven years after initial discussions, leading mainland Chinese research institutes have finalized or nearly completed proposals for Taiwan's reunification, suggesting peaceful reunification would grant Taiwan maximum autonomy under Beijing's 'one country, two systems' framework, with earlier talks increasing Taiwan's bargaining power.
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Why It Matters
Discussions about Taiwan's reunification with mainland China have been ongoing, with various proposals considered over the years under Beijing's 'one country, two systems' framework.
Seven years later, the first proposals from a handful of the mainland’s leading research institutes have either been finalised or are nearing completion, the South China Morning Post has learned.
Rather than setting out a single fixed model, scholars involved in those studies told the SCMP there should be different scenarios based on how reunification was achieved, with peaceful reunification granting Taiwan the largest scope of autonomy under Beijing’s “one country, two systems” framework for post-reunification governance.
“The earlier Taiwan engages in talks with the mainland, the more bargaining power it would have, and therefore the greater the space it would have to shape the terms. That is almost inevitable,” said Chen Xiancai, a Taiwan affairs professor at Xiamen University.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Earlier engagement in reunification talks would increase Taiwan's bargaining power and autonomy scope
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific autonomy measures would be granted to Taiwan under peaceful reunification?
- How would different reunification scenarios affect Taiwan's governance and international relations?
- What is the timeline for finalizing these research institute proposals?
