China Proposes Reunification Terms; Taiwan, U.S. Push Back

China’s top Taiwan official Wang Huning reiterated Beijing’s call for "peaceful reunification" during an event marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s "restoration" to Chinese rule, warning it would not tolerate Taiwanese independence and promising to "share the fruits" of China’s development with Taiwan. State media commentary bylined "Zhong Tai Wen" outlined post-reunification terms, saying Taiwan would be "governed by patriots," retain a high degree of autonomy, receive duty-free access to the mainland market, and have private property and religious rights protected. Taipei rejected Beijing’s overtures as thinly veiled annexation, cited Hong Kong’s experience, celebrated the 1949 Battle of Guningtou as a symbol of resistance, and reiterated that only Taiwan’s people can decide the island’s future. A senior U.S. State Department official said U.S. policy toward Taiwan "has not changed one bit," remaining grounded in the Taiwan Relations Act, the three communiqués and the six assurances, and U.S. lawmakers warned Taiwan must not be used as a bargaining chip with China. The developments highlight deep strategic, historical and ideological divides across the Taiwan Strait as Beijing pairs economic and political incentives with limits on sovereignty while Taipei seeks security partnerships to defend its democracy.