Maintenance of the status quo across the Taiwan Strait in the eyes of Taiwanese | A new perspective on grassroots influence

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New vision of grassroots influence Ye Zhiyan

“Maintaining the status quo” is a term that often appears in discussions on cross-strait relations in recent years, but there are big differences in the understanding of “status quo” between the two sides. “Maintaining the status quo” as understood by Taiwanese people means that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not politically unified, but the two sides maintain exchanges and cooperation in economic, cultural, social and other aspects, and are not subordinate to or interfere with each other.

But if this definition of maintaining the status quo is to continuously squeeze Taiwan’s international space and control Taiwan’s economy so that it cannot disobey the Communist Party, is this still considered maintaining the status quo?

You must know that what we mean by maintaining the status quo is:

Politically, it is generally believed that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country with its own government, army and currency. Mainland China adheres to the “one China” principle and believes that Taiwan is a province of China and should eventually be reunified.

Economically, the two sides have close economic relations and are important global economic and trade partners. Taiwanese companies have invested heavily in mainland China, which is also Taiwan’s largest export market. Taiwanese hope that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait can maintain existing economic exchanges and cooperation to promote common prosperity.

Culturally, both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same culture and race, and have profound cultural roots. Taiwanese hope that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait can maintain cultural exchanges and promote mutual understanding and recognition.

Socially, exchanges between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are becoming increasingly frequent, with millions of people traveling between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait every year. Taiwanese hope that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait can maintain existing social interactions and enhance the feelings between the people on both sides of the Strait.

Picture taken from: (FB Lai Qingde)

Taiwanese believe that maintaining the status quo is the best choice that serves the interests of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. It can avoid conflicts and wars between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait region. At the same time, it allows both sides of the Taiwan Strait to maintain exchanges and cooperation and promote common development without political unification.

However, maintaining the status quo comes with its share of challenges. First, mainland China continues to intensify its military threats to Taiwan, making the situation across the Taiwan Strait even more tense. Secondly, differences and confrontations within Taiwan are also intensifying, making cross-strait relations more complicated.

The factor that affects Taiwan’s ability to maintain the status quo is the rise of China. In the past, the United States was Taiwan’s most important ally and played an important role in cross-strait relations. Changes in U.S. policy toward Taiwan may have a significant impact on cross-strait relations. It is precisely because of the existence of the United States that China no longer emphasizes unity out of concern for the feelings of the United States.

But as mainland China’s economic and military strength continues to grow, its attitude toward the United States becomes less and less indifferent. The demand for Taiwan’s reunification has become stronger. Looking at the history of the past 73 years, it can be roughly said that since the United States wooed China and joined the WTO, China’s economic growth has soared, and Taiwan’s diplomatic and international voices have been suppressed more intensely.

In particular, Taiwanese people fear war and want peace. The formation of several divided ethnic groups due to disagreements gives the Chinese Communist Party the opportunity to influence the Republic of China.

All in all, “maintaining the status quo” as understood by Taiwanese is a complex concept that involves many aspects such as politics, economy, culture, and society. The current question is, what does “maintaining the status quo” mean? What needs to be done to “maintain the status quo”?

Is this what Taiwanese define? Or is it the kind defined by the Communist Party? This is currently ignored by everyone. In my opinion, Taiwan is being gradually relieved by pro-China factions from our ability to maintain the status quo. This is Taiwan’s tragedy.

We want to enhance the capabilities and armaments to maintain the status quo, and they are dismantling and removing Taiwan’s advantages.