China Reaffirms Peaceful Reunification Call Amid Taiwan's Democratic Resistance

China's top leader Wang Huning reiterated the call for peaceful reunification with Taiwan during an event marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's "restoration" to Chinese rule, emphasizing that while China would consider Taiwan's circumstances, it would not tolerate pro-independence activities. Wang promised economic and social benefits to Taiwan's people from closer integration but underscored Beijing's firm rejection of Taiwan independence. Taiwan's government strongly opposed these overtures, viewing China's intent as annexation and warning against the authoritarian implications of the "one country, two systems" model, citing Hong Kong's experience. Taipei continues to assert that only its people can decide the island's future, celebrating their own historical milestones such as the 1949 Battle of Guningtou rather than China's narrative. The ongoing dispute reflects deep historical, ideological, and strategic divisions, with Taiwan seeking to defend its democracy against Beijing's reunification efforts. Both sides maintain calls for dialogue, but their fundamentally opposing visions for Taiwan's status sustain tensions in the Taiwan Strait.